Investigation Summary
The approach to Toncontín's Runway 02 was complicated by the remnants of Tropical Storm Alma, which produced torrential rain and fluctuating winds. The crew touched down approximately 400 meters past the displaced threshold at a high ground speed of 160 knots. The aircraft was near its maximum landing weight, carrying significant fuel reserves for its subsequent legs (fuel tankering). Although the crew initially applied reverse thrust and spoilers, they prematurely reduced these deceleration aids, believing the aircraft was slowing sufficiently. When they realized the aircraft was not stopping, they applied manual braking, which deactivated the autobrake. The anti-skid system was active but fluctuating due to the water depth. In a final, non-standard attempt to stop with only 300 meters of runway remaining, the crew manually turned off the anti-skid system. This caused the wheels to lock immediately and the aircraft to aquaplane on the pooled water. The runway itself lacked adequate grooving to drain water, further reducing friction. The A320 exited the runway at 54 knots, dropped 20 meters down an embankment, and came to rest across a public roadway, breaking into three sections.
Final Conclusions
The Civil Aviation Authority of El Salvador concluded that the primary cause was the flight crew's decision to continue the landing without properly assessing the runway conditions or following standard operating procedures for contaminated runways. Contributing factors included the 10-knot tailwind (which exceeded the 5-knot limit for those conditions), the high touchdown speed, the lack of runway grooving at Toncontín, and the crew's inappropriate management of the braking and thrust reversal systems during the rollout.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
Cesare Edoardo D'Antonio Mena, age 40. Salvadoran national.
First Officer
Juan Rodolfo Artero Arevalo, age 26. Salvadoran national.
Systems & Failure Modes
Anti-Skid System
A system designed to prevent wheel lock-up on slippery surfaces; its deactivation by the crew during the high-speed rollout led to aquaplaning.
Ground Spoilers
Aerodynamic surfaces on the wing that dump lift and increase drag; their premature retraction reduced the weight on the wheels and hampered braking.
Thrust Reversers
Engine components that redirect exhaust flow forward to assist in braking; the crew reduced reverse thrust before the aircraft had reached a safe taxi speed.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was landing with a 10-knot tailwind, double the recommended limit for the conditions.
- 02The runway at Toncontín lacked grooving, which allowed water from Tropical Storm Alma to pool and facilitate aquaplaning.
- 03The aircraft was operating at 63.5 tons, just one ton below its maximum allowable landing weight.
- 04Three of the aircraft's tires showed flat spots consistent with wheel lock-up after the anti-skid system was deactivated.
- 05The fatalities included the Captain, two passengers, and two people on the ground in vehicles crushed by the aircraft.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Airport Closure and Relocation
Following the accident, Toncontín International Airport was temporarily closed to large aircraft, and the Honduran government accelerated plans to move commercial traffic to Comayagua (Palmerola Air Base).