Runway excursion at Monrovia-Roberts International Airport

No fatalities • Monrovia-Roberts, Liberia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft overran the runway during a rejected takeoff at Monrovia-Roberts International Airport, resulting in substantial damage and minor injuries to the crew.

What happened

During the takeoff roll at Monrovia-Roberts International Airport, the flight crew reached V2 speed. At this point, the captain decided to proceed with the takeoff; however, the aircraft type failed to rotate as expected. In response to the lack of rotation, the crew aborted the takeoff and applied emergency braking.

Despite these efforts, the aircraft could not stop before the end of the runway. The plane overran the pavement at approximately 200 km/h and struck a drainage ditch located beyond the runway threshold. The impact caused the nose gear to be ripped from the airframe and led to the collapse of the right main landing gear. The wreckage was found 487 meters past the end of the runway, and the aircraft was declared a total loss. All six crew members on board managed to evacuate the scene with only minor injuries.

Findings

Investigations into the incident revealed that ground handling procedures at the airport were not in compliance with existing agreements regarding cargo transportation and weight calculations. Specifically, the aircraft was operating with a total weight that exceeded its maximum takeoff weight by 6,604 kilograms. Additionally, the center of gravity was positioned 18% too far forward of the allowable limit. These excessive weight and improper loading prevented the aircraft from achieving the necessary rotation for flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft was overloaded beyond its maximum takeoff weight and improperly balanced with a forward center of gravity.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-01-13 Tupolev TU-154 accident near Monrovia-Roberts, Liberia?

An aircraft overran the runway during a rejected takeoff at Monrovia-Roberts International Airport, resulting in substantial damage and minor injuries to the crew.

Were there any fatalities in the 1989-01-13 Tupolev TU-154 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-01-13 involved a Tupolev TU-154, registration CCCP-85067, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Monrovia-Roberts, Liberia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was overloaded beyond its maximum takeoff weight and improperly balanced with a forward center of gravity.

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