What happened
On February 20, 2013, a Beechcraft 390 Premier IA, registration N777VG, crashed near Thomson-McDuffie County Airport (HQU) in Georgia. The flight, operating as a business mission, had originated from Nashville, Tennessee.
During the approach to runway 10, the crew lowered the landing gear, at which point an "ANTI SKID FAIL" light illuminated in the cockpit. The aircraft touched down on the runway, but shortly after contact, the pilot initiated a go-around. During the climb, the aircraft's left wing struck a utility pole located approximately 0.25 miles east of the runway departure end. The impact severed a portion of the wing, and the aircraft continued for approximately 925 feet before colliding with trees and terrain. The impact and subsequent postcrash fire destroyed the airplane. The accident resulted in 5 fatal injuries to the passengers and 2 serious injuries to the flight crew.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and recovered data from the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). The EGPWS data revealed that at the time of impact, the aircraft was in a high-pitch attitude and a significant left bank. The investigation also found that the flaps were in a transitioning state and the landing gear was extended.
Analysis of the aircraft's configuration showed that the lift dump system remained extended during the go-around attempt. The flight manual for the Beechcraft 390 Premier IA contains a specific warning against extending the lift dump in flight due to the risk of loss of control. Additionally, the investigation found that the pilot had selected a flap setting of 30 degrees, which was prohibited by the procedures for an antiskid failure.
Findings
- The pilot failed to follow the airplane flight manual procedures regarding an antiskid failure.
- The pilot failed to immediately retract the lift dump after deciding to perform a go-around.
- The pilot demonstrated a lack of systems knowledge, specifically regarding the performance penalties required during an antiskid failure and the dangers of lift dump extension in flight.
- The pilot was likely suffering from fatigue due to acute sleep loss and a disrupted circadian rhythm following an early morning departure and interrupted sleep during the flight day.
- The utility pole struck by the aircraft had been identified by the FAA as a presumed hazard to air navigation.