Runway excursion during takeoff attempt

2 fatalities • Pittsburgh-Intl, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced an extreme nose-up attitude during a takeoff attempt, resulting in a brief period of flight before veering off the runway and impacting a fence.

What happened

During a takeoff attempt, an aircraft exhibited an unusual flight profile characterized by an extreme pitch attitude. Witnesses observed the aircraft using an extensive amount of runway before the nose lifted prematurely at a low airspeed. The aircraft appeared tail-heavy, maintaining a nose-up pitch of approximately 45 degrees. While the aircraft briefly became airborne, it quickly descended back to the ground and drifted toward the left side of the runway.

Observers noted that the engines produced a continuous, high-pitched shrieking sound throughout the sequence until the moment of impact. The aircraft did not exhibit any wing wobbling or rolling motion during the event. Following the departure from the paved surface, tire tracks from the main landing gear were found deviating from the runway at a 20-degree angle, approximately 3,645 feet from the approach end. These tracks traveled for 775 feet before turning to run parallel to the runway for an additional 650 feet, eventually stopping 50 feet before reaching a chain-link fence.

The aircraft's momentum caused it to strike the fence, which was located 200 feet left of the runway edge stripe, bending the structure in the direction of travel. Ground scars were identified starting 150 feet past the fence, with the primary wreckage located 300 feet beyond the start of these scars. There was no indication that the nose wheel was in contact with the ground before the impact with the fence.

Findings

An inspection of the runway surface revealed no foreign object debris or other obstructions that could have interfered with the takeoff. There was no evidence of mechanical malfunction contributing to the incident. While the first officer had indicated to a witness that they would be performing the takeoff, the specific identity of the pilot in command during the accident could not be verified. Additionally, when questioned before the flight regarding whether a high-performance takeoff would be attempted, the captain was unable to provide a definitive answer.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced an unstable takeoff characterized by an extreme nose-up pitch and insufficient airspeed, leading to a runway excursion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-11-22 Learjet 25 accident near Pittsburgh-Intl, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced an extreme nose-up attitude during a takeoff attempt, resulting in a brief period of flight before veering off the runway and impacting a fence.

Were there any fatalities in the 2001-11-22 Learjet 25 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-11-22 involved a Learjet 25, registration N5UJ, operated by Universal Jet Aviation, at Pittsburgh-Intl, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced an unstable takeoff characterized by an extreme nose-up pitch and insufficient airspeed, leading to a runway excursion.

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