What happened
On 24 November 2014, a Gulfstream III, registration N103CD, was prepared for a private flight departing from Biggin Hill Airport toward Gander International Airport in Canada. During the taxi phase, air traffic control informed the crew of low-level fog patches present on the airfield, noting that while general visibility was high, specific visibility within the fog patches was unmeasured.
After receiving clearance to take off from Runway 03, the aircraft proceeded toward the runway. However, during the taxi toward the active runway, the aircraft lined up with the runway edge lights rather than the pavement, as these lights were positioned 3 meters to the right of the actual runway edge. The takeoff roll commenced at 2030 hrs. After traveling approximately 248 meters on the paved surface, the aircraft transitioned onto the grass area beyond the runway.
Upon realizing the aircraft had left the pavement, the pilot in command initiated a rejected takeoff by closing the thrust levers. The aircraft came to a stop on the grass, sustaining major structural damage. Although the crew successfully shut down the engines, they were unable to establish radio contact with air traffic control. The co-pilot inspected the cabin and confirmed there were zero injuries among the five passengers and the crew. The occupants eventually evacuated via the main exit. At 2032 hrs, the controller, noticing the aircraft lights extinguish, activated the crash alarm, and the airport fire service arrived at the scene by 2034 hrs.
Findings
- The aircraft departed the paved runway surface because it lined up with the runway edge lights instead of the runway centerline.