This article summarizes reporting by The Haitian Times and journalist Jordany Junior Verdieu.

IBC Airways Embraer ERJ-145 Skids Off Runway in Les Cayes Amid Heavy Rain

An IBC Airways Embraer ERJ-145 arriving from Miami skidded off the runway at Antoine Simon International Airport in Les Cayes, Haiti, on Friday, March 20, 2026. According to reporting by The Haitian Times, the aircraft encountered heavy rains and a waterlogged runway upon landing, which severely compromised the aircraft’s ability to stop.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers and crew. The incident highlights the operational challenges of wet-weather landings at the recently upgraded regional airport, which serves as a critical transportation lifeline for southern Haiti.

Incident Details and Timeline

The flight, operating from Miami International Airport to Les Cayes, approached the airport while the southern region of Haiti was under a yellow weather alert. According to comprehensive incident data, the flight crew initially aborted their landing at 2:35 PM local time due to poor visibility and adverse weather, executing a standard go-around procedure.

During the second landing attempt at 2:40 PM, the aircraft touched down but immediately struggled to decelerate. Describing the critical moments after touchdown, the primary report noted the aircraft:

“…experienced braking issues on a flooded runway,” according to The Haitian Times.

Unable to come to a safe stop, the Embraer ERJ-145, bearing registration N271BC, overran Runway 08. The aircraft crashed through the airport’s perimeter safety barriers and came to rest on the northeast shoulder, with its nose exposed near the edge of National Road 7. The plane sustained material damage during the excursion, including the loss of a wheel.

Emergency Response and Investigation

Local authorities responded swiftly to the runway excursion. The Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Directorate of Civil Protection quickly deployed to the scene, establishing a security perimeter to protect the aircraft and prevent secondary traffic accidents on the adjacent public roadway.

Haiti’s National Civil Aviation Office (OFNAC) and the National Airport Authority (AAN) have launched an official investigation to determine the exact sequence of events. Official reports from OFNAC indicate there were five passengers plus the flight crew on board, totaling approximately 10 occupants. All individuals on board emerged physically unharmed, though reportedly shaken by the ordeal.

Technical teams from OFNAC, AAN, and IBC Airways are scheduled to conduct a full technical assessment of both the aircraft and the runway infrastructure to understand the contributing factors of the overrun.

Infrastructure and Regional Impact

Antoine Simon International Airport recently underwent significant renovations, extending its runway to 1,850 meters to support international commercial flights. IBC Airways inaugurated this direct Miami-to-Les Cayes route on November 10, 2025. This connection is vital for the region’s economy and the Haitian diaspora, allowing travelers to safely bypass the gang-controlled capital of Port-au-Prince.

However, Friday’s incident has reignited local concerns regarding the resilience of Haiti’s airport infrastructure. Questions are actively being raised about the runway’s drainage capabilities and overall safety during periods of heavy tropical rain.

AirPro News analysis

We note that this specific aircraft, registered as N271BC, was involved in a prior incident at the exact same airport in June 2022. During a cargo flight, an uneven patch repair on the runway caused severe vertical shock loads to the aircraft’s landing gear, leading to avionics issues. While the current investigation will determine the exact cause of Friday’s excursion, heavily pointing toward weather and drainage, the recurring challenges at Les Cayes underscore the critical need for robust airport infrastructure maintenance. Any potential suspension of flights due to this investigation could temporarily re-isolate the southern peninsula, forcing travelers back into dangerous overland routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Were there any injuries in the IBC Airways runway excursion?
No, all passengers and crew were reported safe and physically unharmed following the incident.

What caused the plane to skid off the runway?
Preliminary reports indicate that heavy rain and a flooded runway caused severe braking difficulties. An official investigation by Haiti’s National Civil Aviation Office (OFNAC) is currently ongoing to confirm the exact causes.

What type of aircraft was involved?
The aircraft was an Embraer ERJ-145 operated by IBC Airways, flying from Miami to Les Cayes.

Sources

• The Haitian Times