Background
On August 27, 2019, Air Charter Services Pvt Ltd operated a Cessna Citation 560 XL aircraft (registration VT-AVV) on a flight from Delhi to Aligarh (Dhanipur Airstrip). The aircraft was scheduled to undergo ADS-B modification at the operator's maintenance facility at Aligarh Airport. On board were two cockpit crew members (a PIC who held an ATPL and a co-pilot with a CPL, both type-rated) and four special operations duty (SOD) personnel. It was the first flight of the day for both pilots, and both had prior experience operating into Aligarh, an uncontrolled airport.
Flight
According to the flight plan, the estimated time of departure from Delhi was 0800 IST, with an estimated time of arrival at Aligarh of 0820 IST. The crew reported at Delhi airport around 0630 IST and underwent a BA test. The MET report indicated weather well within VFR conditions. Aircraft takeoff weight was within limits, including 1900 kg of fuel. The PIC briefed the co-pilot on pre-departure checklists and METAR before approaching the aircraft. Preflight checks were carried out by the PIC before requesting clearance from Delhi delivery (121.95 MHz). Start-up clearance was received from Delhi ground (121.75 MHz) at 0800 IST. ATC cleared the aircraft to line up on runway 11, and takeoff clearance was given at 0821 IST.
After takeoff, the aircraft switched to Delhi radar control for departure instructions. Initially cleared to climb to FL090, the aircraft received straight routing to Aligarh and final clearance to FL130. The aircraft then changed to Delhi area control for further instructions. Approximately 45 Nm from Aligarh, VT-AVV contacted Aligarh (personnel from M/s Pioneer Flying Club manning the radio) on 122.625 MHz. The ground R/T operator reported wind 100/2-3 kt, QNH 1005, runway 11 in use, and advised that Pioneer Flying Club operations were in progress. The crew was instructed to contact when 10 Nm inbound.
VT-AVV then requested descent from Delhi area control and was cleared to FL110, then to FL080. At FL080, Delhi area control instructed the crew to change to Aligarh frequency for further descent coordination. At approximately 10 Nm, VT-AVV contacted the ground R/T operator on 122.625 MHz and requested long finals for runway 11. The operator asked the crew to report at 5 Nm inbound. According to the PIC, after reaching 5 Nm, Aligarh cleared VT-AVV to descend to circuit altitude and land on runway 11. The aircraft commenced approach at 5 Nm at 2200 ft. The PIC conducted approach and landing checks and briefed including wind and runway in use.
During the visual approach, the co-pilot called out “Slightly low on profile.” The PIC acknowledged and corrected the rate of descent. The PIC then had the runway in sight and took manual control. The co-pilot monitored instruments and parameters.
Accident
While the PIC was focused on landing, a loud bang was heard from the left side of the aircraft when it was below 100 ft AGL. The aircraft began pulling to the left and impacted the ground short of runway 11 threshold. After impact, the aircraft veered off the runway, and its left wing caught fire.
Post-crash
After coming to a stop short of the airfield boundary wall, the crew conducted an emergency evacuation. The co-pilot opened the main exit door from inside to evacuate passengers. The aircraft was destroyed by the post-crash fire. The fire tender arrived at the crash site after 45 minutes.
Probable Cause
While landing on runway 11, the aircraft's main landing gears became entangled in a powerline crossing the extended portion of the runway, causing the aircraft to bank left and crash-land on the extended portion of runway 11. Contributory factors included a lack of proper pre-flight briefing, planning, preparation, and assessment of risk factors; non-adherence to SOP; and a prevailing sense of complacency.