On January 11, 1997, a Swearingen SA227 Metro III (registration EC-GKK) operated by Ibertrans Aérea was involved in an aviation accident near Djerba, Tunisia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft veered off the runway and entered a ditch during the braking phase after touchdown. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft veered off the runway and entered a ditch following touchdown, resulting in no injuries but significant damage to the airframe.
What happened
Upon completing the landing phase and making contact with the runway, the flight crew initiated standard braking operations. During this process, the aircraft lost directional control and drifted from the paved surface. The movement continued until the plane exited the runway environment and settled in a nearby ditch.
Despite the impact, all 21 occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft without sustaining any injuries. The aircraft itself sustained damage that was determined to be beyond economical repair.
Findings
The aircraft departed the runway surface during the landing roll.
Loss of directional control occurred during the braking sequence.
Probable cause
The aircraft veered off the runway and entered a ditch during the braking phase after touchdown.