Runway excursion at Tangier-Boukhalef Airport

No fatalities • Tangier-Boukhalef, Morocco • Landing (descent or approach)

A four-engine aircraft veered off the runway during landing at Tangier-Boukhalef Airport due to heavy rain and difficult deceleration.

What happened

During an approach to Tangier-Boukhalef Airport, the flight encountered significant weather challenges characterized by intense rainfall and winds from 060° reaching gusts of 24 knots. Upon landing on the saturated runway, the crew struggled to maintain effective braking and deceleration.

After traveling approximately 1,000 meters along runway 28, the four-engine aircraft drifted left of the paved surface and eventually settled in a nearby ditch. Despite the impact, all 78 occupants managed to exit the plane without any injuries. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

Investigators considered various factors regarding the loss of directional control on the wet surface. Specifically, the possibility that aquaplaning caused the aircraft to lose traction and veer off the runway was not dismissed during the investigation.

Probable cause

The investigation did not rule out aquaplaning as a factor in the loss of directional control during landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-11-23 Vickers Viscount accident near Tangier-Boukhalef, Morocco?

A four-engine aircraft veered off the runway during landing at Tangier-Boukhalef Airport due to heavy rain and difficult deceleration.

Were there any fatalities in the 1988-11-23 Vickers Viscount accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-11-23 involved a Vickers Viscount, registration G-BBVH, operated by Gibraltar Airways, at Tangier-Boukhalef, Morocco.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The investigation did not rule out aquaplaning as a factor in the loss of directional control during landing.

Loading the flight search…