Runway overrun involving Cessna aircraft at airport

No fatalities • Big Bear Lake, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A Cessna aircraft experienced a total loss of braking and thrust reverser functionality during landing, resulting in a runway overrun and subsequent fire.

What happened

During the final approach to runway 26, the flight crew received warnings from a flight instructor regarding wind shear conditions near the approach end of the runway. While on a three-mile final, the instructor communicated updated wind information from the automated weather observation system and indicated a runway change to runway 08, though the crew did not acknowledge this specific transmission.

Upon landing on runway 26, the captain reported that the aircraft touched down in the touchdown zone, but the braking system failed to respond to normal pedal pressure. The crew attempted to utilize the engine thrust reversers, but these also failed to provide any deceleration. Due to the presence of mountainous terrain nearby, the captain decided against an aborted landing attempt. The Cessna aircraft subsequently overran the 5,860-foot runway, crossing the airport boundary fence and a perimeter road before stopping upright in a dry lakebed roughly 400 feet past the departure end of the runway. Following the overrun, the aircraft caught fire. All seven occupants (five passengers and two crew members) managed to exit the aircraft without injuries before the fire consumed the airframe.

Witnesses and passengers noted that the landing was characterized by excessive speed, porpoising, and heavy bouncing. Some passengers reported being thrown about the cabin and hearing loud bangs during the impact.

Findings

Post-accident investigations into the braking and antiskid systems, including various power brake components, found no mechanical anomalies that would have prevented the systems from functioning as intended.

Probable cause

The cause of the loss of deceleration remains undetermined as mechanical inspections of the brakes and thrust reversers showed no defects.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-08-13 Cessna 550 Citation II accident near Big Bear Lake, United States of America?

A Cessna aircraft experienced a total loss of braking and thrust reverser functionality during landing, resulting in a runway overrun and subsequent fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 2002-08-13 Cessna 550 Citation II accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-08-13 involved a Cessna 550 Citation II, registration N50BK, operated by Corporate Flight International, at Big Bear Lake, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the loss of deceleration remains undetermined as mechanical inspections of the brakes and thrust reversers showed no defects.

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