What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-02-16 involved a Grumman G-1159, registration N711TE, at Van Nuys, CA.

Runway Overrun and Collision Following High-Speed Approach (N711TE)

On February 16, 1999, a Grumman G-1159 (registration N711TE) was involved in an aviation accident near Van Nuys, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot performed inadequate in flight planning and decided to continue the approach and landing with excessive airspeed. The pilot failed to follow company directives, which required a go around under the encountered flight conditions. 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 API Editorial standards

During a descent, the aircraft exceeded reference speeds, landed long, overran the runway, and collided with parked airplanes. No go-around was considered by the aircrew.

Approach and Descent

The flight crew conducted the final approach at a speed exceeding the reference speed. During the descent from 8,000 feet and within 13 miles of the airport, the aircraft reached speeds over 300 knots and descent rates in excess of 4,000 feet per minute. At 1.5 miles from the runway and 700 feet above the airport elevation, the aircraft was descending at 3,000 feet per minute and flying over 200 knots.

Reference Speeds and Company Policy

The reference speed for the approach with flaps 20 was 138 knots, and 125 knots for landing. Company policy required the pilot to maintain the speed within 10 knots of the reference speed. The speed at the point 1.5 miles from the runway was significantly above this limitation.

Landing and Collision

The pilot landed long on the runway, overran the end, and collided with several airplanes in a tie-down area. Neither crew member considered executing a go-around during the approach.

Passenger Safety and Evacuation

Before the flight, the aircrew did not provide a safety briefing to the passenger. After the aircraft came to rest following the collision, the aircrew evacuated the aircraft before assisting the passenger in off-loading.

1999-02-16: Grumman G-1159 (N711TE) — Van Nuys, CA