What happened
During the landing phase at an airport with recent snowfall, the crew of a Learjet performed a low pass to inspect the runway surfaces because the control tower was closed. Prior to landing, the pilot had received weather updates indicating light mist and calm winds, though a recent NOTAM had noted wet snow on all surfaces. While the pilot had received a report from a local operator suggesting the runway was acceptable following a previous arrival, the airport operations manager later confirmed the surface was covered in 3/4 inch of wet snow.
The pilot initiated a landing on runway 08L. While the initial deceleration appeared normal, the pilot deployed the thrust reversers upon encountering patches of ice and snow. Following the deployment, the aircraft began to yaw toward the left. Despite attempts to use differential braking to correct the direction, the aircraft drifted off the left side of the runway and began rotating counter-clockwise. An eyewitness observed the thrust reversers cycling on and off multiple times before the aircraft exited the paved surface.
As the aircraft left the runway, the right main landing gear collapsed. This impact resulted in substantial damage to the right wing, the right main landing gear, and the aft pressure bulkhead.
Findings
Investigation of the wreckage revealed that the left engine thrust reverser was fully deployed with blocker doors extended, while the right engine thrust reverser was only partially deployed. A mechanical examination of the aircraft identified a stuck solenoid on the right engine thrust reverser. No other malfunctions were detected in the aircraft systems.