Runway Excursion Involving Bombardier Lear During Wet Landing

No fatalities • Portland-Hillsboro, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A Bombardier Lear aircraft overran a runway during a landing in heavy rain, resulting in the collapse of the nose gear after exiting the paved surface.

What happened

During an approach to runway 30, the crew of a Bombardier Lear performed a landing under heavy rain conditions with an 8-knot tailwind. Although the aircraft was flying at the prescribed airspeed, the pilot elected to land on the 6,600-foot runway despite the tailwind. Upon touchdown, the pilot deployed the spoilers and applied the brakes, but noted a significant lack of deceleration. The aircraft's thrust reversers were non-operational due to previous maintenance actions.

As the aircraft continued its rollout on the wet surface, it failed to slow down sufficiently. By the time the aircraft reached the end of the runway, it was still traveling at an estimated speed between 85 and 9ered 90 knots. The aircraft exited the runway and traveled 618 feet into a rain-soaked grassy area. During this excursion, the nose gear collapsed after hitting a drainage swale, and the landing gear became partially embedded in the soft ground. There were zero fatalities and zero injuries reported.

Findings

Investigation into the accident revealed that the aircraft touched down beyond the intended touchdown zone, leaving approximately 600 feet less runway than the required performance calculations suggested for the wet conditions. The investigation identified that the aircraft experienced dynamic hydroplaning shortly after touchdown.

Furthermore, the anti-skid system was not performing optimally. Specifically, anomalies in the left main gear wheel speed sensors allowed the tires to enter a state of reverted rubber hydroplaning. This malfunction, combined with the heavy rain and the tailwind, significantly hindered the aircraft's ability to decelerate during the landing roll.

Probable cause

The aircraft overran the runway due to a combination of dynamic hydroplaning on a wet surface and an improperly functioning anti-skid system.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2010-11-17 Learjet 25 accident near Portland-Hillsboro, United States of America?

A Bombardier Lear aircraft overran a runway during a landing in heavy rain, resulting in the collapse of the nose gear after exiting the paved surface.

Were there any fatalities in the 2010-11-17 Learjet 25 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2010-11-17 involved a Learjet 25, registration N25PJ, operated by Premier Jets, at Portland-Hillsboro, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft overran the runway due to a combination of dynamic hydroplaning on a wet surface and an improperly functioning anti-skid system.

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