Learjet 75 Runway Excursion at Congonhas Following Unstabilized Approach

Casualties unknown • SÃO PAULO, SP, BR

A Learjet 75 experienced a runway excursion at Congonhas Airport after an unstabilized approach and high-speed touchdown led to tire bursts and loss of braking control.

What happened

On October 9, 2022, a Learjet 75, registration PP-MIX, was performing a private flight from Foz do Iguaçu to Congonhas Airport (SBSP) in São Paulo. During the landing on runway 35L, the aircraft experienced an unstabilized approach characterized by excessive speed. Upon touchdown, the aircraft's speed was approximately 26% above the recommended VREF. Due to this high velocity, the engine reversers, spoilers, and the normal braking system failed to activate.

In an attempt to decelerate, the crew applied the emergency brakes. Because the emergency braking system lacks an anti-skid feature, the application at approximately 120 knots caused the main landing gear tires to lock and burst. This loss of control resulted in the aircraft veering off the left side of the runway, eventually coming to a stop near the edge of taxiway M. The aircraft sustained light damage to the left wingtip and the landing gear wheels, but all five occupants—two crew members and three passengers—were uninjured.

The investigation

CENIPA's investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of directional control. Investigators examined flight data, including cockpit alerts such as "Caution Windshear," "Too Low – Terrain," and "Overspeed." The investigation analyzed the crew's decision-making process, specifically regarding the decision to continue the landing despite windshear warnings and the lack of a stabilized approach. The investigation also reviewed the mechanical performance of the braking systems and the impact of the high-speed touchdown on the aircraft's deceleration capabilities.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the incident was an **unstabilized approach** involving excessive airspeed, which prevented the activation of essential deceleration systems (reversers, spoilers, and normal brakes). This was further compounded by the use of emergency brakes without anti-skid at high speed, leading to tire bursts and subsequent loss of directional control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2022-10-09 aircraft accident near SÃO PAULO, SP, BR?

A Learjet 75 experienced a runway excursion at Congonhas Airport after an unstabilized approach and high-speed touchdown led to tire bursts and loss of braking control.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2022-10-09 involved a aircraft, registration PPMIX, at SÃO PAULO, SP, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the incident was an **unstabilized approach** involving excessive airspeed, which prevented the activation of essential deceleration systems (reversers, spoilers, and normal brakes). This was further compounded by the use of emergency brakes without anti-skid at high speed, leading to tire bursts…

Loading the flight search…