Sequence of Events
According to witnesses, the aircraft approached high and touched down nosewheel first approximately 1,600 feet past the runway threshold. It became airborne again and bounced twice. The pilot reported that prior to touchdown he began to increase engine power but observed no response. He reduced throttle and landed. After applying brakes and selecting full reverse thrust, he again noted no response. The nosewheel reportedly lifted off while the aircraft still had flying speed. With insufficient runway remaining, the pilot stowed the reversers and initiated a go-around. The engines did not respond even though the aircraft became airborne. Subsequently, the aircraft settled beyond the departure end of the runway and impacted rough terrain.
Examination Findings
Post-accident inspection of the engines revealed ingestion of twigs, grass, and dirt. The reverse load limiters (l/l) on both engines were found in the tripped position. According to the flight manual, to avoid actuation of the load limiters, the primary throttle should not be advanced after returning the reverse thrust lever to stow until the unlock light is extinguished. Maintenance is required to reset actuated load limiters. The load limiters are designed to reduce engine power to idle if the thrust reverser is inadvertently deployed in flight. During a post-accident check, after resetting the load limiters, both engines were operated to 85% power.
Probable Cause
The probable cause as determined by the official investigation: The pilot's improper use of the powerplant controls, which resulted in actuation (tripping) of the reverse load limiters on the thrust reversers and subsequent reduction of available power in both engines. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's misjudgement of distance, excessive airspeed, and improper flare during the landing.