Casualties unknown

1993-03-18: Learjet 35 (N304AF) — Apache Corporation — Teterboro, NJ

Teterboro, NJ, US

On March 18, 1993, a Learjet 35 (registration N304AF) operated by Apache Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Teterboro, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PLANNING OR DECISION BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND (PIC). FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARKNESS, THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE RUNWAY/TERRAIN CONDITION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

An airplane completing an ILS approach to Runway 6 drifted right after touchdown, striking a snowbank. The left main landing gear collapsed and the fuselage keel beam was damaged. Braking action was reported as nil by the pilot.

Approach and Landing

The pilot was cleared for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 6 and reported sighting the runway above the decision height. Snow was falling during the approach. After what the pilot described as a 'successful' approach, the airplane touched down within the touchdown zone.

Loss of Directional Control

Upon touchdown, the flight crew deployed spoilers, thrust reversers, and brakes. Despite these efforts, the airplane began to drift to the right. The aircraft subsequently exited the runway surface and impacted a snowbank located on the right side of the runway. The impact caused the left main landing gear to collapse and resulted in damage to the fuselage keel beam.

Runway Conditions and Reports

The pilot reported braking action as 'nil.' According to the pilot, the runway was covered with 'two to three inches' of wet snow. The tower controller had previously transmitted to the flight crew that the last braking action report, provided by a Westwind aircraft about 20 minutes earlier, was 'fair.' Additionally, the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) broadcast indicated that the approach lights for Runway 6 had been decommissioned.

Post-Accident Actions

Immediately following the accident, the runway was closed and plowed.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11931. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.