Runway Excursion Involves Gulfstream G150 in Rionegro

Casualties unknown • Rionegro, CO

A private Gulfstream G150 veered off the runway at José María Córdoba International Airport during landing, resulting in aircraft damage but no injuries.

What happened

On June 16, 2016, at 11:03 local time, an IAI Gulfstream G150, registration N963CH, experienced a runway excursion during its landing at José María Córdoba International Airport (SKRG) in Rionegro, Colombia. The flight had originated from Barranquilla (SKBQ).

Upon touchdown on runway 01, the crew attempted to decelerate using reverse thrust and braking. During the landing roll, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of directional control, veering sharply to the left. Despite efforts by the pilot to correct the path using the nose wheel steering and rudder pedals, the aircraft drifted across the runway safety area and exited the pavement. The aircraft came to a stop 13 meters from the runway edge. All five occupants—two pilots and three passengers—evacuated the aircraft on their own without injury.

The investigation

The GRIAA investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical systems, flight crew performance, and organizational oversight. Technical inspections of the engine's digital electronic engine controls (DEECS) by Honeywell Aerospace confirmed that the engines and thrust reversers operated normally. Furthermore, testing of the nose wheel steering, anti-skid, and flight control surfaces (flaps and slats) by the manufacturer revealed no mechanical failures.

Analysis of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) revealed that the crew was engaged in non-operational conversation during the critical phases of flight, failing to maintain a sterile cockpit. The investigation also noted that the aircraft owner lacked a formal aeronautical department, as well as standardized operating procedures (SOPs) or a General Operations Manual (MGO).

Findings

  • The primary cause of the excursion was the unintentional loss of directional control on the ground, which the crew failed to manage effectively.
  • A lack of Crew Resource Management (CRM) and a failure to maintain a sterile cockpit contributed to crew distraction during the approach and landing.
  • The pilot in command had limited operational experience in the G150 type, with only 40 hours of flight time in the model.
  • The aircraft sustained damage to the left-hand slat and the covers of the navigation and strobe lights, and the main tires burst during the excursion.
  • Meteorological conditions were optimal (VMC) with light winds.

Probable cause

The incident was caused by a loss of directional control on the ground that was not properly managed by the crew, exacerbated by poor CRM and a lack of cockpit discipline.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-06-16 G150 accident near Rionegro, CO?

A private Gulfstream G150 veered off the runway at José María Córdoba International Airport during landing, resulting in aircraft damage but no injuries.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-06-16 involved a G150, registration N963CH, at Rionegro, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The incident was caused by a loss of directional control on the ground that was not properly managed by the crew, exacerbated by poor CRM and a lack of cockpit discipline.

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