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80 fatalities

Quito-Mariscal Sucre Airport Takeoff Overrun Accident (CU-T1264)

Quito-Mariscal Sucre (City), EcuadorTakeoff (climb)

On August 29, 1998, a Tupolev TU-154 (registration CU-T1264) operated by Cubana de Aviación was involved in an aviation accident near Quito-Mariscal Sucre (City), Ecuador during takeoff. 80 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the crew failed to follow the taxi and pre-takeoff checklist and forgot to select the switches for the hydraulic valves of the control system. No technical anomalies were found on the aircraft and engines. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered CU-T1264
Aircraft registered CU-T1264. Photo: speck727233 / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An aircraft overran runway 17 at Quito-Mariscal Sucre Airport after a failed takeoff abort, killing 80 people and injuring 36.

Accident Overview and Background Source says: While parked on the apron at Quito-Mariscal Sucre Airport, the crew started the engine when a pneumatic valve blocked. The problem was resolved and two engines were started with ground power unit while the third engine was started during taxi. During the takeoff roll on runway 17, at Vr speed, the pilot-in-command started the rotation but the aircraft failed to respond. For unknown reasons, the crew took 10 seconds to decide to abort the takeoff. The captain initiated an emergency braking procedure but the remaining distance of 800 metres was insufficient. Unable to stop, the aircraft overran, struck a concrete wall, an auto spare parts building and crashed near a soccer field, bursting into flames. Seventy people in the aircraft was well as 10 people on the ground were killed while 21 people in the airplane and 15 on the ground were injured, some seriously. At the time of the accident, the total weight of the aircraft was 73,309 kilos, within limits.

Probable cause

It is believed that the crew failed to follow the taxi and pre-takeoff checklist and forgot to select the switches for the hydraulic valves of the control system. No technical anomalies were found on the aircraft and engines.
Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Aug 1998 Tupolev TU-154 accident near Quito-Mariscal Sucre (City), Ecuador?

An aircraft overran runway 17 at Quito-Mariscal Sucre Airport after a failed takeoff abort, killing 80 people and injuring 36.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Aug 1998 Tupolev TU-154 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 80 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Aug 1998 involved a Tupolev TU-154, registration CU-T1264, operated by Cubana de Aviación, at Quito-Mariscal Sucre (City), Ecuador.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It is believed that the crew failed to follow the taxi and pre-takeoff checklist and forgot to select the switches for the hydraulic valves of the control system. No technical anomalies were found on the aircraft and engines.

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