Investigators have still not determined what caused a serious runway excursion in Jamaica Dec. 22, involving an American Airlines Boeing 737-800. The aircraft, bound from Miami, was landing at Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport during a rainstorm, when it skidded off the runway, across a road and came to rest on a beach. The aircraft's fuselage cracked, its right engine detached,rnand its left main landing gear collapsed. There were no fatalities among the 148 passengers and six crewmembers, although about 90 passengers were treated for injuries at a local hospital. Jamaican officials are leading the investigation, with the help of the U.S. NTSB. Among the factors being examined are the airport's approach lights, runway conditions, tailwinds and where the aircraft touched down on the runway.
展开▼
