On July 2, 1991, a Learjet LR25B-XR (registration N458J) operated by New Creations, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Columbus, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment during a crosswind landing in rain, resulting in loss of visual reference and departure from the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Cessna aircraft drifted right during flare in rain, then veered left off the runway after touchdown due to lost visual reference, striking soft terrain.
What happened
The aircraft N458J was conducting a landing operation while encountering a rain shower. As the pilot initiated the flare for touchdown, crosswind conditions caused the airplane to drift toward the right side of the runway. The pilot attempted to correct this lateral displacement as the intensity of the rainfall increased. During the moment of touchdown, the pilot lost visual reference with the runway surface. Despite the loss of visibility, the landing roll was continued. The aircraft subsequently drifted off the left side of the paved surface and impacted soft terrain.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the immediate circumstances surrounding the departure from the runway environment. Examination of the event sequence indicated that weather conditions played a significant role in the pilot's ability to maintain directional control. The transition from visual flight to reduced visibility during the critical phase of landing contributed to the deviation.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment during a crosswind landing in rain, resulting in loss of visual reference and departure from the runway.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…