Aircraft accident during ILS approach near runway threshold

12 fatalities • Washington-Dulles, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed 0.8 nm south of a runway threshold during an instrument meteorological conditions approach, resulting in the deaths of all 10 passengers.

What happened

During an approach to runway 01R under instrument meteorological conditions, the aircraft impacted the ground approximately 0.8 nm south of the runway threshold. The flight was carrying 10 passengers, all of whom were Mexican citizens traveling to Washington DC for the World Football Championship. The incident occurred during an ILS approach phase.

Findings

Investigations revealed that the captain lacked the necessary authorization to attempt the approach and possessed limited experience regarding operations in such weather conditions. The crew failed to maintain standard airmanship during two separate unstabilized approaches. Rather than continuing the approach, the pilot had the option to hold for better weather, transition to the runway 19L ILS, or divert to an alternate airport.

Crucially, the lack of a functioning GPWS prevented the crew from receiving continuous warnings during the final 64 seconds of the flight, a factor that may have mitigated the outcome. The captain's failure to adhere to stabilized approach standards was a primary factor in the descent into the ground.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to follow stabilized approach procedures and attempt an unauthorized approach in poor weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-06-18 Learjet 25 accident near Washington-Dulles, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed 0.8 nm south of a runway threshold during an instrument meteorological conditions approach, resulting in the deaths of all 10 passengers.

Were there any fatalities in the 1994-06-18 Learjet 25 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 12 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-06-18 involved a Learjet 25, registration XA-BBA, operated by Transportes Aéreos Ejecutivos - TAESA, at Washington-Dulles, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to follow stabilized approach procedures and attempt an unauthorized approach in poor weather conditions.

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