Cessna Citation CJ1+ Overruns Runway at Egelsbach

Casualties unknown • Egelsbach, DE

A private flight involving a Cessna C525 Citation CJ1+ ended in a runway excursion at Egelsbach, resulting in heavy aircraft damage and a perimeter fence breach.

What happened

On August 28, 2019, a Cessna C525 Citation CJ1+ departed Hamburg for a private flight to Egelsbach. The flight initially proceeded under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) before the pilot transitioned to Visual Flight Rules (VFR). During the approach, the pilot navigated via the YANKEE waypoint, descending through various altitudes and managing several cockpit alerts, including a Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) alert.

The final approach to runway 26 was characterized by an unstable flight path. The pilot admitted to not monitoring the approach lighting system (APAPI) and maintained a ground speed between 130 and 140 knots. The air traffic controller observed the approach as "oscillating and unstable."

The aircraft touched down approximately 300 meters behind the runway threshold. Upon landing, the pilot noted that the braking effectiveness was lower than expected. Comparing the remaining runway length to a previous landing in Locarno, the pilot determined that a go-around was not feasible. Consequently, the aircraft overran the end of the runway by approximately 110 meters, breached the airfield fence, and came to a stop in a grassy field. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained heavy damage, including a torn winglet and structural damage to the wing and fuselage.

The investigation

The BFU examined radar data, radio communications, and the physical wreckage. The investigation focused on the flight path, the pilot's familiarity with the airfield, and the mechanical state of the braking and anti-skid systems. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's recent experience at Egelsbach, noting that the pilot had not visited the airfield in over 20 years.

Findings

  • The pilot's approach was unstable, with the aircraft's descent path oscillating and the pilot failing to monitor the APAPI lights.
  • The pilot's landing technique was influenced by a comparison to a different runway length experienced during a recent flight in Locarno.
  • The pilot was not intimately familiar with the specific arrival procedures at Egelsbach, despite reviewing the seasonal briefing.
  • The aircraft's braking and anti-skid systems were found to be fully functional following the accident.

Probable cause

The runway excursion was caused by an unstable approach and a landing that occurred too far back from the threshold, combined with the pilot's decision not to execute a go-around after realizing the remaining runway was insufficient.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-08-28 Cessna Aircraft Company Citation C525 accident near Egelsbach, DE?

A private flight involving a Cessna C525 Citation CJ1+ ended in a runway excursion at Egelsbach, resulting in heavy aircraft damage and a perimeter fence breach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-08-28 involved a Cessna Aircraft Company Citation C525, at Egelsbach, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The runway excursion was caused by an unstable approach and a landing that occurred too far back from the threshold, combined with the pilot's decision not to execute a go-around after realizing the remaining runway was insufficient.

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