Incident Overview
On June 18, 2021, at approximately 17:30 local time, a Gates Learjet LJ-35 with registration LV-IYQ experienced a ground incident at the International Airport of Laguna del Sauce (SULS) in Maldonado, Uruguay. The aircraft was operating under an IFR flight plan from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (SABE) in Argentina.
Sequence of Events
After landing on runway 19, the crew received instructions to perform a 180-degree turn on the runway and exit via taxiway C. However, the aircraft began to leave the runway via taxiway B. Upon realizing the error, the pilots initiated a 180-degree turn before the stop line within the runway strip area.
During this maneuver, the crew reported losing control of the nose wheel due to a disconnection in the steering system. Consequently, the nose gear and the right main landing gear wheels entered the natural grass surface adjacent to taxiway B. The wheels sank into the soft ground, immobilizing the aircraft.
Outcome and Investigation
The incident resulted in no injuries to the two pilots or one passenger, who all exited the aircraft unassisted. There was no fire, and the investigation confirmed that the aircraft sustained no structural damage, aside from mud accumulation on the landing gear which was removed without issue. The runway 01/19 was closed for operations until 19:30 local time while the aircraft was recovered and moved to the general aviation apron.
The investigation was conducted by the Comisión Investigadora de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviación (CIAIA) under the Ministry of National Defense of Uruguay. The primary objective was to prevent future accidents, with no determination of fault or liability.