Runway Excursion Involving Aircraft at Runway 28

No fatalities • Beckley-Raleigh County, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft overran the end of a 5,000-foot runway after the pilot encountered difficulties deploying the thrust reverser system during landing.

What happened

During the landing phase on Runway 28, the aircraft type touched down approximately one-third of the way down the 5,000-foot asphalt runway. The pilot in command attempted to engage the thrust reverser system, but the control handles would not move past the 'Deploy-Reverse-Idle' setting. After several attempts to cycle the levers, the pilot transitioned to using maximum braking.

Witnesses on board noted that the aircraft maintained a high rate of speed as it approached the runway terminus. Smoke, likely from the tires, was visible as the aircraft neared the end of the pavement. The aircraft exited the runway, leaving parallel tire marks that extended 3,200 feet beyond the approach end of the runway and onto a nearby grassy area. The aircraft eventually came to a stop on a plateau situated roughly 90 feet below the runway's elevation.

Findings

Investigation into the mechanical state of the aircraft, including the thrust reverser system, showed no evidence of malfunctions prior to the impact. Data from the cockpit voice recorder indicated the aircraft was traveling at approximately Vref plus twenty knots when passing the runway threshold. The pilot estimated the speed was still between 50 and 60 knots as the plane left the runway surface. The inability to deploy the thrust reverser system was a primary factor in the overrun, as the pilot had no prior experience landing this specific model without utilizing that system for deceleration.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to engage the thrust reverser system during landing led to insufficient deceleration and a subsequent runway excursion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-04-17 Beechcraft Beechjet 400 accident near Beckley-Raleigh County, United States of America?

An aircraft overran the end of a 5,000-foot runway after the pilot encountered difficulties deploying the thrust reverser system during landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 1999-04-17 Beechcraft Beechjet 400 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-04-17 involved a Beechcraft Beechjet 400, registration N400VG, operated by Vecellio Group, at Beckley-Raleigh County, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to engage the thrust reverser system during landing led to insufficient deceleration and a subsequent runway excursion.

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