What happened
On the morning of June 25, 2014, a Raytheon Aircraft Company C90A, registration N800MK, was involved in a runway excursion at Houston, Mississippi (M44). The flight, operated by BECS, LLC, had originated from Memphis, Tennessee, under instrument flight rules, though weather conditions at the time of the incident were daylight and visual.
While performing a visual approach to runway 21, the aircraft encountered sudden atmospheric disturbances just before touchdown. The pilot reported that at a speed of 90 knots with approach flaps extended, the right wing lifted sharply, inducing a severe left bank. During this period, the crew identified the presence of wind shear and initiated a go-around procedure.
As the pilot attempted to apply power to climb, the aircraft continued to roll to the left. In an effort to maintain control, the pilot reduced throttle, causing the plane to settle into the grass on the left side of the runway. The aircraft subsequently struck a ditch and spun before coming to a stop in an upright position. A fire developed in the left engine area following the impact. There were no fatalities among the four occupants, though one passenger sustained minor injuries.
Findings
The primary factor in the excursion was an unexpected encounter with wind shear just above the runway surface. The co-pilot noted that the vertical speed indicator showed extreme readings during the flare, and the wind shear created a jarring effect that threatened to lift the tail of the aircraft. The crew's decision to transition to a go-around was prompted by the sudden change in wind conditions and the resulting loss of directional control.