What happened
In the early hours of a night flight from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Stephenville, Newfoundland, a Learjet L3 and6A, registration N14TX, was conducting an instrument approach to runway 28. While the crew had been provided with a wind report of 17 knots, the actual surface conditions at the time of arrival involved winds of 20 knots with gusts up to 22 knots. This resulted in a tailwind component of approximately 12 knots, which exceeded the aircraft's maximum operational limit of 10 knots.
After crossing the runway threshold, the aircraft drifted to the left of the centerline. The aircraft eventually made contact with the snow-covered ground on the left side of the runway, approximately 1,750 feet beyond the threshold. Following this initial contact, the pilot attempted a missed approach. During this maneuver, the aircraft's left tip-tank struck the ground, causing the ailerons to jam. The aircraft continued to deviate from its flight path, eventually crashing in an inverted, wings-level position about 5,080 feet from the threshold. The two crew members were fatally injured.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage, engine components, and flight instruments. Analysis of the engines confirmed they were operating at high power at the moment of impact, and no mechanical malfunctions were found. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) was recovered, though the cockpit area microphone channel had failed to record any crew dialogue.
Radar data from Gander ACC showed the aircraft followed the ILS approach but deviated left after the threshold. The investigation also looked into the search efforts, noting that the aircraft's emergency locator transmitter (ELT) failed to activate because the batteries were the incorrect type for low temperatures and were overdue for replacement. Furthermore, it was discovered that the search was delayed because operational staff were unaware of the full capabilities of the RADEX software, which could have quickly identified the aircraft's last radar position.
Findings
- The actual wind conditions at the time of landing exceeded the aircraft's maximum allowable tailwind component.
- The pilot failed to maintain the proper aircraft attitude and did not select the go-around mode on the flight director during the missed approach attempt.
- The aircraft drifted left of the runway, likely due to a lack of crosswind correction or a desire to avoid a windrow on the right side of the runway.
- Drifting snow and darkness likely obscured the pilot's ability to detect the lateral movement of the aircraft.
- The search for the wreckage was hindered by a lack of staff familiarity with the RADEX radar examination tool.
Safety action
Following the investigation, NAV CANADA implemented training for Data Systems Controllers to ensure the RADEX tool is used effectively for locating missing aircraft. Additionally, the Stephenville Airport Authority initiated efforts to establish an Authorized Approach Unicom (AAU) service to provide pilots with more accurate, real-time surface wind and runway condition information.