Runway Overrun and Tree Collision involving Turbojet

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

A turbojet aircraft overran the runway threshold and collided with trees following a touchdown far beyond the intended point.

What happened

During a visual approach to a runway measuring 3,975 feet in length, a turbojet aircraft experienced an extended landing roll. The pilot in command reported that the approach and descent rates appeared standard while flying over the trees. However, during the descent to the runway at idle power, the pilot observed the airspeed increasing by 16 knots above the reference speed. The pilot decided to proceed with the landing due to the aircraft's proximity to the runway and the perceived availability of extra landing distance.

As a result of the increased speed, the aircraft floated significantly past the intended touchdown point, eventually contacting the runway approximately 2,100 feet beyond the threshold. While the crew was attempting to decelerate the aircraft, it veered to the right without pilot input. The aircraft subsequently overran the departure end of the runway and struck trees. Following the impact, the pilot attempted to shut down the engines, successfully deactivating one engine despite the intense vibrations. The crew assisted all occupants in evacuating the aircraft before a post-impact fire destroyed the wreckage. There were no fatalities reported.

Findings

Investigations into the incident revealed that no mechanical or maintenance issues were present on the aircraft. Calculations based on the flight manual and environmental conditions—including a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and zero wind—indicated that the estimated total stopping distance at reference speed was approximately 2,955 feet. The primary factor in the overrun was the unintended increase in airspeed during the final descent, which caused the aircraft to float and land much further down the runway than planned.

Probable cause

An increase in airspeed during the final approach caused the aircraft to float past the intended touchdown point, leading to a runway overrun.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-05-02 Cessna 560 Citation V accident near Leakey, United States of America?

A turbojet aircraft overran the runway threshold and collided with trees following a touchdown far beyond the intended point.

Were there any fatalities in the 2002-05-02 Cessna 560 Citation V accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-05-02 involved a Cessna 560 Citation V, registration N397QS, operated by NetJets, at Leakey, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An increase in airspeed during the final approach caused the aircraft to float past the intended touchdown point, leading to a runway overrun.

Loading the flight search…