Overview
• Operator: Volaris
• Aircraft Model: Airbus A319-100
• Registration: XA-VOC
• Flight Number: Y4-3296
• Route: Tijuana (Mexico) → Mexico City Felipe Ángeles (Mexico)
• Date: 13 February 2025
• Occupants: Not specified
• Injuries: None
• Damage: Aircraft veered off runway onto soft ground
• Status: Aircraft remains on the ground for assessment
Incident Summary
Volaris flight Y4-3296, an Airbus A319 (XA-VOC), was arriving at Mexico City Felipe Ángeles International Airport from Tijuana when it suffered a runway excursion upon landing on runway 04L at 00:42 local time (06:42Z).
While decelerating through approximately 50 knots after touchdown, the aircraft unexpectedly veered to the right, exiting the runway and coming to a stop on soft ground with all landing gear off the paved surface. There were no reported injuries, and passengers disembarked safely.
The aircraft remains on the ground 35 hours after the incident as an investigation and recovery operations continue.
Sequence of Events
Approach & Landing
• The aircraft performed a normal approach to runway 04L at Felipe Ángeles International Airport.
• Weather conditions at the time were clear (SKC) with light winds from the north-northeast at 5 knots (Metar: 34005KT 8SM SKC 08/03 A3027).
• The aircraft touched down normally and initiated deceleration.
Runway Excursion
• As the aircraft slowed through 50 knots, it unexpectedly veered to the right.
• The crew attempted to maintain directional control, but the aircraft departed the paved surface and came to a stop on soft ground beyond the runway edge.
• Emergency services responded, but no evacuation was necessary.
Post-Incident Actions
• The aircraft was inspected for damage, and passengers were safely disembarked.
• Initial reports did not indicate any significant mechanical failures, but an investigation is ongoing to determine potential contributing factors.
• The aircraft remains on the ground in Mexico City pending further assessment.
Possible Contributing Factors
1. Runway Surface Conditions
• Weather at the time was clear and dry, but previous reports showed haze (HZY) and possible distant precipitation (DSNT PCPN SE).
• If the runway had residual moisture or contamination, this could have contributed to a loss of friction.
2. Aircraft Braking or Steering Malfunction
• A malfunction in the nose wheel steering or differential braking issues could explain the unexpected rightward deviation.
• Hydraulic or brake system anomalies could have caused uneven deceleration.
3. Crosswind or Asymmetric Thrust Issues
• The wind was light (5 knots from 340°), unlikely to have significantly affected directional control.
• Engine idle thrust asymmetry (if one engine produced more residual thrust than the other) could have influenced yaw control.
4. Pilot Technique or Unexpected External Factor
• A late rudder input, unexpected gust of wind, or unexpected surface contamination (rubber deposits, water patches, etc.) could have played a role.
• External debris or minor hydraulic system failures may have impacted handling post-touchdown.
Safety Recommendations
• Thorough Inspection of Aircraft
• Conduct detailed checks on brake, hydraulic, and nose wheel steering systems.
• Analyze flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) data for anomalies.
• Runway Condition Review
• Investigate whether the runway had any undetected contamination.
• Assess potential surface irregularities that may have impacted aircraft handling.
• Crew Procedural Analysis
• Review post-landing handling procedures and pilot inputs.
• Evaluate whether procedural adjustments are necessary for runway excursions.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of 14 February 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
