The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) today released the Final Report of the Investigation into the American Airlines 331 runway accident, which occurred in Kingston, Jamaica, at the Norman Manley International Airport, on December 22, 2009 

The Report, which is available at the Authority’s Website, www.jcaa.gov.jm, indicates that the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, operated by American Airlines as Flight AA331, embarked on a flight from Miami to Kingston, on December 22, 2009. It landed at approximately 10:22 p.m., on Runway 12 at the Norman Manley International Airport, in heavy rain, with a 14-knot tailwind component. The aircraft touched down long at 4,100 feet, and ran off the end of the runway, at a speed of 62 knots.

The investigation process involved a holistic approach to determining as many contributing factors as was practicable, and to making recommendations for safety actions.

These Recommended Safety Actions, which are currently being implemented, include considerations regarding the landing of Transport Category aircraft on wet runways, particularly in tailwind conditions; runways condition reporting; runway markings and lighting; and Air Traffic Control procedures and training. 

Queries regarding the Final Report may be submitted in writing to the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority’s Corporate Communications Unit via email at jcivav@cwjamaica.com.

The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) is a statutory organization within the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, which is responsible for regulating Jamaica’s aviation industry and supporting its safe and orderly development.