Runway excursion involving corporate aircraft due to braking system failure

No fatalities • Marco Island, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A corporate aircraft overran the runway and exited into sand after a mechanical failure in the braking system prevented effective deceleration.

What happened

During a corporate flight, the pilot-in-command performed a visual approach to a 5,000-foot dry runway. The aircraft, a business jet, touched down with flaps fully extended approximately 300 to 500 feet beyond the runway aiming point. Upon landing, the pilot attempted to deploy the thrust reversers and ground spoilers, but these systems did not engage.

As the aircraft continued down the runway, the pilot applied moderate braking pressure once the nose gear made contact, but noted a lack of deceleration. In an attempt to manage the situation, the pilot deactivated the antiskid system and applied heavy braking, yet the aircraft failed to slow significantly. To avoid an area of water located ahead of the runway end, the pilot steered the aircraft to the right. This maneuver caused the aircraft to exit the paved surface and enter a sandy area, where the nose landing gear collapsed. The aircraft came to a stop roughly 250 feet past the runway threshold. While the passengers were able to evacuate, one passenger sustained serious injuries while moving toward the cabin door.

Findings

Investigation into the mechanical state of the aircraft revealed that a spring had failed within the upper brake control valve of the No. 2 brake, resulting in minimal pressure. Additionally, the coupling subassembly of the No. 1 wheel speed sensor was found to be fractured. Although the pilot attempted to use the thrust reversers and ground spoilers, investigators determined that these systems were functional; the failure to deploy them was likely due to pilot error while managing the unexpected loss of braking energy.

The primary cause of the overrun was the simultaneous failure of the brake control valve spring and the wheel speed sensor coupling, which, combined with a touchdown point beyond the aiming point and the deactivation of the antiskid system, left insufficient runway to stop the aircraft.

Probable cause

A combination of a failed brake control valve spring, a fractured wheel speed sensor coupling, and the pilot's deactivation of the antiskid system resulted in insufficient braking action to prevent a runway overrun.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-03-01 Canadair CL-601 Challenger accident near Marco Island, United States of America?

A corporate aircraft overran the runway and exited into sand after a mechanical failure in the braking system prevented effective deceleration.

Were there any fatalities in the 2015-03-01 Canadair CL-601 Challenger accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-03-01 involved a Canadair CL-601 Challenger, registration N600NP, operated by Six Hundred NP, at Marco Island, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A combination of a failed brake control valve spring, a fractured wheel speed sensor coupling, and the pilot's deactivation of the antiskid system resulted in insufficient braking action to prevent a runway overrun.

Loading the flight search…