Casualties unknown

2003-10-22: Learjet 45 (N420FX) — Vestar Capital Partners — Denver, CO

Denver, CO, US

On October 22, 2003, a Learjet 45 (registration N420FX) operated by Vestar Capital Partners was involved in an aviation accident near Denver, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the airplane's spoiler system when used as speed brakes due to high resistances in the spoilers' actuator coils. 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 descent, extending spoilers as speed brakes caused a roll due to right spoiler barely moving. The crew retracted them, continued descent, and landed safely. Inspection revealed high internal resistance in both spoiler actuator coils.

Incident Overview

During a descent, the flight crew extended both spoilers to serve as speed brakes for reducing the aircraft's speed. The left spoiler deployed normally, but the right spoiler exhibited minimal movement, resulting in an uncommanded left roll. The amber-colored "Spoiler Fail CAS" caution light activated, alerting the pilots to the asymmetry.

Crew Response

The captain promptly retracted the spoilers, returning the aircraft to a level attitude. The crew then initiated the appropriate emergency checklist procedures. The descent was continued without further incident, and the aircraft landed uneventfully.

Maintenance Findings

Post-flight examination revealed high internal resistance in the actuator coils of both the left and right spoilers. No other anomalies were detected during the inspection. The specific cause of the increased resistance was not identified in the report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031029X01828. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.