No fatalities

Wake Vortex Encounter Causes Hard Roll During Landing (N900LG)

Aspen, CO, US

On February 9, 2006, a Canadair CL-600 (registration N900LG) was involved in an aviation accident near Aspen, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Encounter with wake vortices from a departing aircraft during landing, which caused a loss of control resulting in substantial damage. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced a severe roll due to wake vortices from a departing aircraft while landing on runway 15. The incident resulted in substantial damage after the nose dropped and the right main gear struck the pavement.

What happened

The pilot reported that the aircraft was on final approach for landing on runway 15 when it encountered wake vortices generated by an airplane that had just departed from runway 33. At approximately 50 feet above ground level, the aircraft experienced a hard roll to the left, which triggered the stall warning horn.

In response, the pilot applied power, causing the aircraft to roll hard to the right. Although the pilot successfully stopped the roll, the nose of the aircraft dropped significantly. The right main landing gear then impacted the runway surface, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.

The pilot did not report any anomalies with the airframe, flight controls, engines, or weather conditions at the time of the incident.

Probable cause

Encounter with wake vortices from a departing aircraft during landing, which caused a loss of control resulting in substantial damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Feb 2006 Canadair CL-600 accident near Aspen, CO?

A pilot experienced a severe roll due to wake vortices from a departing aircraft while landing on runway 15. The incident resulted in substantial damage after the nose dropped and the right main gear struck the pavement.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Feb 2006 Canadair CL-600 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Feb 2006 involved a Canadair CL-600, registration N900LG, at Aspen, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Encounter with wake vortices from a departing aircraft during landing, which caused a loss of control resulting in substantial damage.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060213X00195. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.