High-speed landing leads to runway excursion in Braunschweig

Casualties unknown • Braunschweig, DE

A Learjet 60 experienced a runway excursion at Braunschweig airport after an unstabilized approach, resulting in minor aircraft damage and destroyed runway lighting.

What happened

On January 26, 2009, a Learjet 60 operated by an airline in the process of formation was performing an IFR flight from Zweibrücken to Braunschweig. The crew, consisting of a pilot-in-command, a second pilot, and a technician, was using the flight to conduct an LBA operational authorization check and to refresh the second pilot's proficiency on the aircraft type. The second pilot was acting as the pilot flying, while the pilot-in-command acted as the pilot non-flying.

Upon arrival at Braunschweig, the crew opted to land on runway 26 to utilize the ILS, despite a 5-knot tailwind component. During the final approach, the aircraft descended below the glidepath at the 200-foot decision height. In an attempt to correct the descent, the pilot increased engine power, which caused the aircraft to accelerate significantly above the target approach speed. The pilot-in-end took control of the aircraft at 20 feet above the ground.

The aircraft touched down approximately 510 meters past the runway threshold. Despite the application of thrust reversers and brakes, the aircraft could not be stopped on the remaining pavement. The aircraft overran the runway, striking and breaking three runway edge lights, before coming to a stop in the soft ground of the safety area. There were no injuries to the occupants, though the aircraft sustained minor damage and the lighting equipment was destroyed.

The investigation

The BFU examined the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) to reconstruct the approach. The investigation focused on the flight parameters during the final stages of the landing and the crew's decision-making process regarding the approach stability.

Findings

  • The approach was unstabilized, with FDR data showing speeds ranging between 158 kt and 173 kt, well above the reference speed (Vref) of 143 kt.
  • The Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) issued "sink rate" alerts during the final approach.
  • The crew did not communicate a need to execute a missed approach despite the unstable conditions.
  • The aircraft touched down significantly late due to the excessive approach speed.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the runway excursion was an unstabilized approach characterized by excessive airspeed and a descent below the glidepath, which led to a late touchdown and insufficient remaining runway for deceleration.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2009-01-26 Learjet Inc. Learjet 60 accident near Braunschweig, DE?

A Learjet 60 experienced a runway excursion at Braunschweig airport after an unstabilized approach, resulting in minor aircraft damage and destroyed runway lighting.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2009-01-26 involved a Learjet Inc. Learjet 60, at Braunschweig, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the runway excursion was an unstabilized approach characterized by excessive airspeed and a descent below the glidepath, which led to a late touchdown and insufficient remaining runway for deceleration.

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