What happened
Earlier in the day, the aircraft, registered HZ-IBN, had completed a flight to Milan and was returning to Blackbushe with the pilot and three passengers. During the descent through the London Terminal Manoeuvring Area, the flight was transferred from London Control to Farnborough Approach. After the pilot confirmed the airfield was in sight, the aircraft was cleared to descend at his discretion. The weather conditions at the aerodrome were favorable, featuring good visibility and no low cloud.
While entering the left-hand circuit for Runway 25, the Gulfstream (implied by context of TCAS/TAWS/speed) climbed to pass above an Ikarus C42 microlight. During this maneuver, the aircraft's TCAS issued several alerts to resolve conflicts with other nearby light aircraft, neither of which were equipped with TCAS. Following this, the aircraft performed a steep descent, dropping at rates of up to 3,000 feet per minute. The TAWS issued six 'pull up' warnings during the final approach.
The aircraft crossed the runway threshold at approximately 50 feet altitude and 151 KIAS, significantly exceeding the manufacturer's recommended target speed of 108 KIAS for its configuration. The aircraft touched down 710 meters beyond the threshold, leaving 349 meters of the declared landing distance available. The aircraft failed to stop on the paved surface, exiting the runway at 83 knots and striking an earth bank, which briefly lifted the aircraft into the air. The aircraft then struck vehicles in an adjacent car park, causing the wing to separate from the fuselage and the fuselage to roll. A severe fire erupted in the aft section of the fuselage.
Although the aerodrome rescue services responded, their progress was delayed by a locked gate and the need to navigate around a perimeter fence. Due to the intensity of the fire, rescue crews could not approach the wreckage. All four fatalities occurred as a result of the fire following the impact.
Findings
- The aircraft approached the runway at a speed of 151 KIAS, which was much higher than the calculated target speed of 108 KIAS.
- Excessive approach speed and a high rate of descent contributed to the long landing and subsequent runway excursion.