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LATAM Airbus A320 Suffers Runway Excursion at Cascavel Airport
An Airbus A320 operating as LATAM Flight LA3858 veered off the runway into a grass verge at Cascavel Airport on August 31. All 151 people on board escaped without injury despite severe weather conditions.
The Core Development
On August 31, LATAM Flight LA3858, arriving from São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), encountered heavy rainfall and low visibility upon arrival in western Paraná. After a brief holding pattern, the aircraft touched down on Runway 15 at approximately 09:45 local time (12:45 UTC).
While the initial rollout and deployment of thrust reversers were normal, the aircraft lost traction during a low-speed turnaround. At approximately 15 knots ground speed, the nose gear slipped on the saturated surface, causing the aircraft to drift off the paved edge and come to a stop on the adjacent grass verge.
Key Facts Breakdown
- Flight Number: LA3858
- Aircraft: Airbus A320 (14 years old)
- Registration: PR-MYO
- Route: São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU) to Cascavel
- Date/Time: August 31, 09:45 local / 12:45 UTC
- Passenger/Crew Count: 145 passengers, 6 crew (151 total)
- Incident Point: Runway 15, during low-speed maneuver (approx. 15 knots)
- Outcome: No injuries; aircraft immobilized on grass verge
- Operational Impact: Temporary airport closure via NOTAM; cancellation of return flight LA3859
Why This Matters
From a logistical perspective, this incident highlights a critical vulnerability in regional South American airfield infrastructure during tropical weather events. The fact that the excursion occurred at a mere 15 knots—well after the high-speed landing phase—suggests that the issue was not braking failure, but a loss of directional control due to surface saturation.
For aviation analysts, the focus is now on "rubber build-up" and drainage capacity. When rubber deposits accumulate on the runway, they create a smooth surface that, when combined with standing water, significantly increases the risk of aquaplaning even at low speeds. This event indicates that standard friction margins may be insufficient during intense precipitation at regional hubs like Cascavel.
Industry Outlook
The investigation by Brazil’s aeronautical accidents prevention authority will center on the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recordings to determine if pilot input or mechanical failure contributed to the drift.
Moving forward, we expect a push for standardized regional operating procedures across South America to mitigate the risks of sudden tropical storms. This may include more stringent friction testing requirements and upgrades to turn-pad geometry and drainage systems at secondary airports to prevent similar low-speed excursions.
