An Aerosucre Boeing 727-200 freighter departing from Bogotá, Colombia struck the localiser antenna array after overrunning the runway end on takeoff on 10 November 2024. Aerosucre flight 6N372, a Boeing 727-200 freighter aircraft, was conducting a departure from runway 14L Bogotá El Dorado International Airport (BOG). The flight was a scheduled cargo service bound for Valencia Arturo Michelena International Airport (VLN), Venezuela.
During the takeoff procedure, the aircraft overran the overshoot end of the runway. After it became airborne, the aircraft struck the localiser antenna array in the runway overshoot area. The localiser antenna array, which is located 300 meters (990 feet) from the runway end forms part of the Instrument Landing System (ILS).
The aircraft then continued its climb before entering a holding procedure. Flight crew then elected to make a precautionary return to Bogotá. The aircraft subsequently landed on runway 14R without further incident, approximately one hour after its initial departure.
The Colombian Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that the aircraft had collided with the localiser antenna array, providing a photograph of the antenna damage. The aviation regulator also confirmed that following the takeoff, the aircraft conducted holding to burn off fuel before making its early return to Bogotá.
The aircraft sustained damage to its landing gear and left wing as a result of the collision. It will now form the subject of an investigation by the Colombian Aircraft Accident Investigation division.
Flight data shows that flight 6N372 made its departure from El Dorado International Airport at 1642 local time on 10 November. Following the takeoff incident, flight crew terminated the climb procedure at flight level FL140 (14,000 feet). A brief period of holding was then conducted before the aircraft returned the origin airport, landing at 1741 local time.
The aircraft conducting the 6N372 service to Valencia was a Boeing 727-200, registered HK-5216. This is a 44-year-old converted freighter aircraft belonging to the carrier Aerosucre.
Aerosucre is a cargo airline based in Bogotá, Colombia. It was founded in 1969 and operates scheduled international and domestic cargo services throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Its home base is El Dorado International Airport, Bogotá. Aerosucre has a fleet of Boeing 727 and 767 cargo aircraft. The airline is known for its operations in remote and challenging areas of South America.
