Casualties unknown

1999-07-02: Learjet 60 (N219FX) — Hyannis, MA

Hyannis, MA, US

On July 2, 1999, a Learjet 60 (registration N219FX) was involved in an aviation accident near Hyannis, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flightcrew's inadequate coordination and their failure to utilize checklists. Also causal was the captain's improper decision to continue the approach to a runway with insufficient length. A factor in the accident was the improper maintenance. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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 an ILS approach, hydraulic pressure warning lights illuminated. After landing, brakes and reverse thrust failed; emergency brakes were applied after abort decision. The aircraft overran the wet runway, striking a localizer antenna and fence.

Flight Sequence

The pilot in command (PIC) and first officer (FO) were on a return flight. While being vectored for the Runway 24 ILS approach, as the flaps were selected to 20 degrees and the landing gear was extended, the left and right amber HYDR PRESS lights began to illuminate. As the lights flashed with more regularity, the crew discussed whether to continue or divert to another airport. The captain decided to proceed to the destination airport, which had a 5,425-foot runway.

Post-Landing Events

After touchdown, the captain applied normal braking, but the brakes did not respond. Additionally, the crew attempted to use the reverse thrusters, which also did not respond. The captain then attempted to apply emergency braking, but the emergency brake lever would not move. The captain requested the FO to apply emergency braking. The captain declared he was aborting the landing, immediately after which the FO successfully engaged the emergency brakes. The airplane proceeded off the departure end of the wet runway, struck a localizer antenna, and came to rest in a fence.

Hydraulic System Examination

Examination of the airplane revealed that the left main landing gear actuator extend hose leaked hydraulic fluid and was not torqued to specifications. According to a work item sheet, a corrective action was entered on June 14: 'Replaced main gear actuator extend pressure hoses. Replaced uplock main gear hoses with new [Teflon] hoses.'

Flight Manual Guidance

The Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) stated that in the event of a hydraulic pressure loss, 'With no flaps, no spoilers, no thrust reversers, and no anti-skid, the landing distance will be greatly increased. Multiply the Actual Landing Distance for Anti-Skid ON shown in Section V by a factor of 3.' The calculated landing distance, uncorrected, was 3,690 feet. The factor of three required an 11,000-foot runway. No abnormal or emergency quick reference checklists were found in the cockpit, and there was no mention of abnormal or emergency procedures in the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) transcript. An AFM, which contained an abnormal checklist and procedures section, was found in a side pocket next to the captain.

Crew and Operational Context

Examination of company personnel files revealed that the captain had been issued an 'Employee Warning Notice' in August 1998 for failure to follow instructions and rudeness to employees or customers. The notice also stated that numerous FOs reported that the pilot was rude and discourteous when addressing them, and that he was not promoting good cockpit resource management (CRM). The captain had not received company CRM training. The airplane was part of a fractional ownership program and was operated under 14 CFR Part 91.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19332. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.