What happened
On August 10, 2019, at approximately 4:30 PM, a Canadair CL-600-2B16, registration N602TS, was performing a private flight from Pompano Beach Airpark, Florida, to Nassau, Bahamas. While on final approach to runway 14 at Lynden Pindling International Airport, the pilot observed an unexpected 10-knot increase in airspeed at an altitude of roughly 300 feet, prompting a power increase. Shortly before touchdown, a second airspeed fluctuation occurred without any change in power settings, causing the aircraft to strike the runway with significant force.
Following the initial impact, the aircraft bounced repeatedly, momentarily lifting off the surface. During this sequence, the aircraft veered toward the left side of the runway. The excursion resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear. There were zero injuries to the two crew members on board.
The investigation
The AAID conducted a field investigation into the event. Investigators examined the aircraft's flight path and the environmental conditions present during the landing. The investigation focused on the sequence of airspeed fluctuations and the subsequent physical impact with the runway surface. The inspection of the aircraft revealed structural damage to the nose cone, the nose gear undercarriage, and the left main landing gear.