Runway excursion at Nicosia Airport involving aircraft

No fatalities • Nicosia, Cyprus • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft veered off the runway at Nicosia Airport following touchdown, resulting in a post-crash fire and several injuries.

What happened

Upon landing on runway 14 at Nicosia Airport, the aircraft began to deviate toward the right side of the runway. The movement continued until the plane exited the paved surface and traveled approximately 150 meters beyond the end of the runway. Following the excursion, the vehicle caught fire and was ultimately destroyed.

All 70 people on board managed to evacuate the wreckage safely. Among the occupants, nine individuals sustained injuries during the event.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the accident was driven by the pilot's failure to decelerate sufficiently within the available runway length. This lack of braking control led to a high-speed rightward turn, which generated enough lateral centrifugal force to cause the aircraft to skid sideways off the runway surface.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to stop the aircraft within the available runway distance, leading to a high-speed skid off the side of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1973-08-29 Tupolev TU-104 accident near Nicosia, Cyprus?

An aircraft veered off the runway at Nicosia Airport following touchdown, resulting in a post-crash fire and several injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1973-08-29 Tupolev TU-104 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1973-08-29 involved a Tupolev TU-104, registration OK-MDE, operated by CSA Czech Airlines - Československé Státní Aerolinie, at Nicosia, Cyprus.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to stop the aircraft within the available runway distance, leading to a high-speed skid off the side of the runway.

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