Casualties unknown

Configuration Warning Light During Takeoff Leads to Abort and Runway Overrun (N254AE)

Texarkana, AR, US

On May 12, 1994, a Saab-scania AB (saab) SF-34OB (registration N254AE) operated by Wings West Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Texarkana, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Illumination of the configuration warning light was due to insufficient rebound on the right condition lever. 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

During takeoff at 95 knots, a configuration warning light prompted an abort. The captain experienced brake fade and difficulty retarding power levers, resulting in an overrun 205 feet past the runway threshold.

Event Summary

During the takeoff roll, at approximately 95 knots, the configuration warning light illuminated. The captain initiated an aborted takeoff by moving the power levers to flight idle and applying maximum braking. Initially, deceleration appeared normal, but the brakes became increasingly ineffective and exhibited fade. Evidence of heavy braking was found along the runway for 3,400 feet. The aircraft eventually came to rest 205 feet past the runway threshold, in a grass overrun.

Investigation Findings

The captain also reported difficulty in moving the power levers back beyond the flight idle gate. Simulator demonstrations were conducted to evaluate the rejected takeoff performance. These demonstrations concluded that if a pilot inadvertently lifts the beta range lock out triggers when the power levers are in the full forward position, the power levers can jam into teeth, preventing them from being retarded. This scenario resulted in a simulator overrun.

Illumination of the configuration warning light was determined to be due to insufficient rebound on the right condition lever.

Probable cause

Illumination of the configuration warning light was due to insufficient rebound on the right condition lever.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01276. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.