BAC-111 Overshoots Runway - July 1978
(click on thumbnails for full-size picture and description)

         At approximately 1750 on July 9, 1978, a BAC-111 overshot the runway while attempting to land. The aircraft swerved to avoid radio antennas and crossed a ditch before coming to rest in a field 50 yards beyond the end of the runway. The aircraft suffered extensive damage to it's landing gear after crossing the ditch.
         The runway remained closed until the aircraft could be moved, which took most of the day. Air bags had to be flown in by the U.S. Air Force in order to lift the aircraft high enough that a flatbed truck could be backed underneath it. The nose of the aircraft was raised using a crane with a nylon noose to keep it balanced.
         The accident occurred when the pilot misjudged his speed and the distance available, and also failed to initiate a go-around. Of the 77 people on board (73 passengers, 4 crew), 13 were treated for various injuries, with only one of them being listed as serious.



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