Casualties unknown

2000-03-12: Learjet 60 (N240FX) — Jackson, WY

Jackson, WY, US

On March 12, 2000, a Learjet 60 (registration N240FX) was involved in an aviation accident near Jackson, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not following the airplane manufacturer's recommended landing procedures for a contaminated runway by landing with a tailwind. 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

An aircraft landing on an ice-contaminated runway with a tailwind and emergency braking, which deactivated anti-skid, slid and overran the runway end by 160 feet into snow.

Incident Overview

The aircraft, operating from Provo, Utah, conducted an ILS approach to runway 18 at Jackson Hole Airport. The runway is 6,299 feet long and 150 feet wide, with a gradient of -0.611% and was contaminated with ice. The approach was performed with a 6.5 knot tailwind.

Landing and Braking

During the landing roll, the captain engaged the emergency braking system. According to the manufacturer's Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), activation of emergency braking deactivates the anti-skid protection. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) captured a high-pitch sound at 0839:44, consistent with the high-pressure air of the emergency braking system being activated.

Runway Excursion

After the aircraft touched down, it slid left, then right, and subsequently left again before returning to the runway centerline. The captain reported continued braking. The aircraft eventually departed the end of the runway, traveling 160 feet beyond into snow approximately 2 feet deep.

AFM Limitations for Contaminated Runways

The AFM specifies restrictions for landings on contaminated runways, which include: (A) winds must be zero or a headwind of less than 30 knots (i.e., no tailwind); (B) the runway gradient must be between -1% and +2.2%; and (C) the anti-skid system must be operational. In this incident, the tailwind, runway gradient, and use of emergency braking (deactivating anti-skid) did not meet these requirements.

Notes

The thrust reversers were mechanically pinned in the forward thrust position prior to departure from Provo, Utah. No further details are available regarding the aircraft type, registration, occupants, or injuries.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20613. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.