Casualties unknown

2002-02-11: Mitsubishi MU-300 (N541CW) — Cleveland, OH

Cleveland, OH, US

On February 11, 2002, a Mitsubishi MU-300 (registration N541CW) was involved in an aviation accident near Cleveland, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to obtain the proper touch down point on the runway, and the pilot-in-commands failure to initiate a go-round. Factors in the accident were the tailwind condition, the snow-covered runway. 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

During descent, the pilot-in-command calculated a dry runway landing distance of 2,720 feet. The aircraft touched down with 2,233 feet remaining on a 5,101-foot runway covered with thin snow. Braking action was reported poor. The aircraft overran, collapsing the nose landing gear.

Flight Details

During descent to the airport, the pilot-in-command (PIC) estimated the required landing distance on a dry runway as 2,720 feet. The second-in-command (SIC) remarked that if he touched down without brakes, he would go around. The instrument landing system (ILS) approach to Runway 23 was in use.

Runway Conditions

A Hawker Jet that landed prior to the accident flight reported braking action as "poor." All runway surfaces were covered with a thin layer of snow. The tower controller informed the flightcrew before landing that winds were from 330 degrees at 18 knots. The latest weather at the airport included winds from 330 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 22 knots; visibility 3/4 statute mile with light snow; and overcast clouds at 300 feet.

Landing and Overrun

The aircraft touched down with approximately 2,233 feet of the 5,101-foot runway remaining. It departed the end of the runway and entered an overrun grassy area, where the nose landing gear assembly collapsed.

Performance Data

According to the airplane’s Pilot’s Operating Manual, the estimated landing distance on a dry runway for the existing conditions was about 2,750 feet. No charts were available in the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual to compute landing distance on a contaminated runway. A review of 14 CFR Part 25.1, which prescribes airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes, indicated that landing distance must be determined on a level, smooth, dry, hard-surfaced runway. There were no requirements for the applicant to determine landing distances on wet or contaminated runways.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020227X00277. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.