What happened
On the evening of 30 January 2021, a Cessna Citation 525A operating as an air taxi was completing a flight from Naples-Capodichino Airport to Antwerp/Deurne Airport. During the landing phase on runway 11, the aircraft encountered wintery weather conditions at night. Immediately after touchdown, the crew deployed ground flaps. However, as the captain attempted to decelerate, the primary braking system failed to respond, with the brake pedals becoming completely rigid.
In an attempt to stop the aircraft, the captain engaged the emergency brake. This action caused the plane to veer toward the left, though the pilot managed to correct the direction. Despite increased pressure on the brakes, the wheels locked, and the aircraft overran the end of the runway, coming to a rest 40m beyond the threshold in the runway strip. There were no injuries to the occupants, and the aircraft sustained minor damage. Because no smoke or fire was detected, the crew did not initiate an evacuation.
The investigation
The AAIU(Be) conducted a safety investigation utilizing several data sources, including witness statements, inspections and testing of the aircraft, the operator's internal analysis, performance and system evaluations, and webcam footage from the airport.
Safety action
Following an internal review, the operator initiated several safety measures. These included briefing all flight crews on the findings of the incident, specifically regarding the importance of landing within the touchdown zone, the proper stowage of landing data calculations, and the recognition of airport markings. Additionally, the operator is evaluating the need for supplemental simulator training focused on abnormal procedures, specifically addressing power brake failures.