What happened
A cross-country flight involving a CL600 was approaching a terrain-limited airport via a localizer/distance measuring equipment (LOC/DME)-E approach to runway 15. The flight crew, consisting of two members, had previously performed a missed approach and were being vectored for a second attempt. During the descent, air traffic control reported wind conditions of 330 degrees at 16 knots, with gusts reaching 25 knots.
While the initial phase of the second approach followed the expected descent angle and configuration, the final minute of the flight became unstable. The aircraft's airspeed fluctuated between 135 kts and 150 kts, and the engines were advanced and retarded five times. The aircraft maintained a nose-down attitude during the final descent and initial runway contact. Data indicated the aircraft's pitch oscillated above the runway before a hard impact occurred at approximately 6 g. At the time of the accident, the weather conditions were at or beyond the maximum allowable tailwind and crosswind limits specified in the flight manual.
Findings
Investigation into the crew's experience revealed that both flight crewmembers had recently finished simulator training for the CL600 type rating. The captain possessed between 12 and 14 hours of flight time in the aircraft type, and the copilot had a similar amount of experience. Although the flight was conducted under Part 91, neither crew member met the 25-hour minimum requirement for acting as pilot-in-command under Part 135 regulations.
An experienced pilot-rated passenger was on board to provide guidance; however, because this individual was seated in the jumpseat, they could not access the flight controls. It was determined that the approach became unstabilized during the final stages of the descent. While the aircraft possessed the performance capability to execute a successful go-around and clear local obstacles, the approach parameters were not maintained.