What happened
On a night flight from West Palm Beach, Florida, to Hamilton, Ontario, a Gulfstream 100 (registration C-FHRL) operated by Jetport Inc. experienced a runway excursion during an instrument landing. The flight crew was conducting a charter operation under instrument meteorological conditions, encountering heavy precipitation and turbulence during the approach to Runway 12.
As the aircraft approached the runway, the pilot flying maintained an airspeed of 135 knots, which was 10 knots above the calculated landing reference speed. During the landing flare, the pilot was slow to reduce engine power to idle. This excess speed and power caused the aircraft to float, resulting in a touchdown further down the runway than intended, with approximately 3000 feet of pavement remaining.
Despite the use of all available braking systems, including spoilers and thrust reversers, the aircraft could not be stopped on the wet surface. The aircraft exited the paved surface, traveling 122 feet down a slope on the grass. During the excursion, the nose landing gear sheared off, and the aircraft struck several pieces of airport infrastructure and terrain. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the cockpit voice recorder, and the runway conditions at Hamilton Airport. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was properly certified and maintained, with no mechanical failures or system malfunctions identified. The crew was found to be properly qualified for the operation.
Analysis of the runway surface revealed that the pavement was 100% bare and wet with standing water present. Furthermore, recent friction tests had indicated that the friction levels at the ends of Runway 12 were at or below the maintenance planning level due to rubber contamination and texture loss. Investigators also examined the aircraft's tires, noting that while they were within legal limits, the tread depth was limited.
Findings
- The pilot flying did not reduce power to idle promptly during the flare, leading to excess airspeed and power.
- The aircraft floated during the landing, resulting in a touchdown point that reduced the available stopping distance.
- Hydroplaning occurred during the landing roll, significantly reducing the effectiveness of the braking systems.
- Several contributing factors included the presence of standing water, low runway friction levels at the runway ends, and limited tire tread depth.