American Airlines Flight 331 Accident Investigation Update Released by Jamaican Authorities

As the investigation into the 22 December 2009 crash of American Airlines flight 331 enters its third week, the Jamaican authorities leading the investigation have provided extensive details about the circumstances of the accident.

Weather Conditions and Alternate Airports
The aircraft landed in Kingston, Jamaica in heavy rain about two hours after taking off from Miami, Florida. The crew chose to land with a tailwind, even after air traffic controllers advised them that the runway was wet and offered the crew an option that would have allowed the aircraft to land with a headwind.

The aircraft had sufficient fuel on board to reach its alternate airport at Grand Cayman Island.

Landing Speeds
The aircraft landed slightly below its permitted landing weight and with an airspeed of 148 knots (170 mph). However, because of the 14 knot tailwind, groundspeed was 162 knots (186 mph). The landing gear made contact with the runway about 4,000 feet down the 8,900 foot runway. The flight data recorder also showed that the aircraft bounced once before settling down on the runway, which further reduced the amount of remaining runway.

Aircraft Braking and Runway Overrun
Autobrakes deployed, and the crew was able to engage reverse thrust and spoilers, and also used maximum braking, but in spite of this, the aircraft veered to the left of the runway centerline and departed the end of the runway at a ground speed of about 63 knots (72 mph). The aircraft went through a fence and crossed a road before coming to rest on a beach about 175 feet (53 meters) beyond the end of the runway, and about 40 feet (12 meters) from the sea.


Aircraft and Airport Systems Normal Before Landing
The flight data recorder did not indicate any malfunctions or other anomalies with the brakes, spoilers, or thrust reversers, and that braking was normal given the wet runway and the autobrake setting. The fuselage was broken into three major pieces, and the right engine, right main landing gear, and parts of the right wing separated from the aircraft. Other than the crash related damage, no mechanical problems have been found with any part of the aircraft, and ground based navigation and landing aids were operating normally.

Other Accident Information
While the Jamaican authorities are running the investigation, the NTSB and other US organizations and companies are providing assistance. The aircraft wreckage will be shipped to the US and may be examined again later in the investigation.

The interim report did not provide any probable causes for the accident, and the runway has not yet been tested to see how slick it may be in rainy conditions. The interim report made no mention of crew issues, including whether the crew followed all relevant procedures, and whether the captain or first officer had any medical situation or physical condition that could have affected their performance.

AirSafeNews.com will continue to follow the progress of the investigation, and will publish additional information as it becomes available.

Additional Information
Previous AirSafeNews.com Article
Detailed information about this accident
Initial accident investigation press release

FAA increases oversight of American Airlines after three landing mishaps

After three American Airlines landing mishaps in December 2009, including two MD80s that experienced wingtip strikes, and a 737 that overran a runway in Jamaica, the FAA announced that it was increasing its oversight of the airline. AirSafe.com's Dr. Todd Curtis was one of the airline safety experts interviewed by National Public Radio for the January 5, 2010 broadcast of the NPR show Morning Edition.
Listen to the interview
Details on 22 December 2009 American Airlines crash in Jamaica
American Airlines plane crashes

Dozens Injured After American Airlines 737 Crashes in Jamaica

American Airlines flight 331, a Boeing 737-800 (N977AN) on a scheduled flight from Miami, Florida to Kingston, Jamaica, had a landing accident that resulting in the aircraft departing the runway. According to early reports, the aircraft was severely damaged after it overran the runway and about 40 of the 154 occupants (148 passengers and six crew members) were injured. The accident occurred about 10 pm local time, and it was raining at the time. The plane came to rest just short of the ocean, and had damage to the fuselage, as well as a separated engine and collapsed landing gear.

American Airlines Information
Anyone who believes they have family members or friends aboard Flight 331 may contact American Airlines at the following toll-free numbers: (800) 245-0999 for calls originating in the United States; (800) 872-2881 for calls originating in Jamaica. Family members from other locations outside the U.S. may contact American through the AT&T Direct Access system.

Callers should dial the local AT&T Access telephone number, which can be found at www.usa.att.com/traveler, for the country from which they are calling. Once in the AT&T system, callers can then dial American toll-free at (800) 245-0999. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin islands can call the (800) 245-0999 number directly. Non-family members are asked not to call those numbers so the lines can be kept available for those who truly need them.

Accident Investigation
The investigation is being led by the government of Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority, with help from a variety of organizations including the NTSB, FAA, American Airlines, Boeing, and General Electric Aircraft Engines. The Jamaican CAA phone number is 876- 960-3965, and the agency’s email address is jcivav@toj.com.

Additional Resources
Additional information on this event
American Airlines plane crashes
Boeing 737 plane crashes

Photos: Bryan Cummings, Naphtall Junior, Garfield Robinson