Aircraft overrun and collision with vehicle at Northolt

No fatalities • Northolt AFB, United Kingdom • Landing (descent or approach)

A Learjet 25B crashed through the airfield perimeter fence and struck a van on the A40 after overrunning the runway at Northolt.

What happened

On the approach to Northolt, a Learjet 25B, registration EC-CKR, was traveling from Palma de Mallorca. Due to priority departure traffic, the crew was instructed to remain in a downwind pattern at a distance of 10 nm before receiving vectors for the final approach to runway 25. During the approach, air traffic control queried the pilot regarding the status of the landing gear. While the crew confirmed the gear was down and locked, the aircraft was observed deviating above the established glidepath.

As the aircraft reached 2.5 nm from the runway, the crew received landing clearance and was notified of a 4 kt tailwind. Despite being warned of the glidepath deviation, the aircraft continued its descent. By the time it reached the decision altitude, approximately half a mile from the runway, the aircraft remained above the glidepath, though it appeared to be correcting its descent.

The aircraft touched down significantly beyond the standard touchdown point. During the subsequent landing roll, the aircraft veered to the right and then swerved to the left, ultimately overrunning the runway end. The aircraft struck three lighting stanchions and breached the airfield's south-westerly boundary fence. After exiting the airfield, the aircraft entered the A40 trunk road and collided with a Ford Transit van. The collision resulted in one serious injury to the van's driver. The aircraft stopped in the left-hand lane of the road with the vehicle embedded in the forward right side of the fuselage.

Probable cause

The aircraft overran the runway after a touchdown beyond the normal point and subsequently breached the airfield perimeter.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-08-13 Learjet 25 accident near Northolt AFB, United Kingdom?

A Learjet 25B crashed through the airfield perimeter fence and struck a van on the A40 after overrunning the runway at Northolt.

Were there any fatalities in the 1996-08-13 Learjet 25 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-08-13 involved a Learjet 25, registration EC-CKR, operated by MAC Aviation, at Northolt AFB, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft overran the runway after a touchdown beyond the normal point and subsequently breached the airfield perimeter.

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