Casualties unknown

1989-03-24: Learjet 25 (N29FN) — Flight International, Inc. — Roanoke, VA

Roanoke, VA, US

On March 24, 1989, a Learjet 25 (registration N29FN) operated by Flight International, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Roanoke, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: CO-PILOTS POORLY PLANNED APPROACH WHICH RESULTED IN AN OVERRUN LANDING. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE CAPTAINS POOR SUPERVISION OF THE APPROACH AND LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft overran runway 06 after an LDA approach, struck a dirt berm, and became airborne. After a go-around and gear check, it landed gear-up on runway 33, sliding off the end. Post-accident testing found no system malfunctions.

Initial Landing and Overrun

During an LDA approach, the aircraft overran the end of runway 06, which is 6,800 feet in length. It contacted a dirt berm at the end of the grass overrun and was catapulted into the air. Both crew members reported that the co-pilot made the initial landing.

Go-Around and Damage Assessment

The captain advanced the power levers to full power for a go-around after they perceived a lack of spoilers and thrust reversal. As the terrain dropped off, the aircraft gained flying speed. The crew climbed to 6,000 feet to assess damage and performed two tower fly-bys to check the landing gear. The tower reported that no gear was visible. A decision was made to land on runway 33, which offered the best overrun area.

Final Landing

The aircraft was landed without the landing gear deployed. It slid the length of the runway and continued approximately 200 feet off the departure end onto the grass.

Witness Statement

Another pilot witness stated that N29FN had been landed 'fast and high'.

Post-Accident Examination

Post-accident examination and testing of the aircraft produced no malfunctions of the systems. The landing gear was found to have separated during the first landing when the aircraft catapulted off the dirt berm.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27850. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.