On 27th November 2024, an Avianca Airbus A320 was evacuated after an aborted takeoff at Pereira Matecaña International Airport due to a suspected engine failure.
The Airbus A320 with registration HK-5407 was scheduled to operate flight AV9418 from Pereira to Bogota carrying 164 passengers and four crew members when the incident occurred.
According to the Civil Aeronautics department, the takeoff was interrupted after an issue with engine number one. The crew aborted the takeoff and the A320 was subsequently evacuated on the runway. All those onboard safely disembarked the aircraft via emergency slides.
Response, Airport Closure
Emergency protocols were activated promptly. Airport staff and rescue teams assisted passengers and crew in evacuating the aircraft. The airport, which operates with a single runway, was temporarily closed to allow for the removal of the aircraft from the runway.
The Civil Aeronautics department confirmed that its Technical Directorate of Accident Investigation has launched an inquiry into the cause of the incident.
“A technical indication at the time of takeoff led the pilots to prioritize safety by stopping the flight and staying on the ground,” Avianca stated. “All safety protocols were followed to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew.”
Videos captured during the evacuation showed passengers exiting the aircraft via emergency slides amidst visible panic and distress.
As of 10 p.m. local time, the aircraft had been towed off the runway, and normal airport operations resumed.
