On Tuesday December 22, 2009 at about 10:20 p.m., American Airlines Flight No. 331 (Boeing 737-800) overshot the runway while attempting landing at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica. The landing attempt was made during a rainstorm. The plane broke through the barrier fence, went across the road that leads to Port Royal, then came to a stop on the beach (several feet from the sea). Approximately 154 passengers were on board. Several passengers, some news reports are saying 40 and some are saying 90, were injured and were taken to Kingston Public Hospital. We are happy to report that none of the passengers died. Thank God.
Norman Manley International Airport is a world class international airport. Several years ago when the runway was being upgraded the Jamaican government purchased the granite from Canada. This was very upsetting to the Jamaican people since we have granite in Jamaica. However, the Jamaican government went ahead and got the material from Canada to ensure that the airport runway complies with international standards.
This accident appears to be pilot or mechanical error. Large 747 planes from British Airways and Virgin Atlantic land on that runway in good and bad weather all the time. Also, Air Jamaica had two or more A340 air buses that would land on that runway all the time. Jamaica’s two international airports, Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay are both world class.
Please also note that the Concorde used to land on that runway.
AA Kingston Crash Photo Gallery
Every country is great, especially Jamaica.
Bonita Jamaica
Beautiful Place. Amazing People.
See you in Jamaica.
