No fatalities

Aircraft Overruns Runway at Monrovia Airport After Failed Rotation (CCCP-85067)

Monrovia-Roberts, LiberiaTakeoff (climb)

On January 13, 1989, a Tupolev TU-154 (registration CCCP-85067) operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Monrovia-Roberts, Liberia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the ground personnel at Monrovia Airport failed to follow the agreement signed with Aeroflot regarding ground handling, export cargo transportation and calculation. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff at Monrovia-Roberts Intl Airport, an aircraft failed to rotate at V2 speed, leading to a rejected takeoff and runway overrun. The aircraft collided with a drainage ditch, sustaining substantial damage. All six crew members sustained minor injuries.

Accident Details

On takeoff roll at Monrovia-Roberts International Airport, the aircraft reached V2 speed, at which the captain elected to continue the takeoff. However, the aircraft failed to rotate. The crew rejected the takeoff and initiated emergency braking. Unable to stop within the remaining runway distance, the aircraft overran the runway at a speed of 200 km/h and collided with a drainage ditch.

Damage and Injuries

The impact tore off the nose gear and collapsed the right main landing gear. The aircraft came to rest 487 meters past the runway end and was damaged beyond repair. All six crew members on board escaped with minor injuries.

Investigative Findings

The official investigation determined that ground personnel at Monrovia Airport failed to follow the agreement signed with Aeroflot regarding ground handling, export cargo transportation, and calculation. At the time of the accident, the total weight of the aircraft was 6,604 kilograms above the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), and the center of gravity (CofG) was 18% too far forward of the permissible value. In such conditions, the aircraft was unable to take off.

Probable cause

It was determined that the ground personnel at Monrovia Airport failed to follow the agreement signed with Aeroflot regarding ground handling, export cargo transportation and calculation. At the time of the accident, the total weight of the aircraft was 6,604 kilos above MTOW and the CofG was 18% too far forward the permissible value. In such conditions, the aircraft was unable to takeoff.