Aircraft runway excursion and fire following landing

No fatalities • Eagle County-FlyVail, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a runway excursion and subsequent fire after landing halfway down the runway, resulting in the separation of the main landing gear.

What happened

During the landing phase, an aircraft approached the runway from the east at a high rate of speed. According to eyewitness accounts, the aircraft touched down approximately halfway down the runway with a nose-down attitude. Shortly after touchdown, the aircraft exhibited significant instability, characterized by a wobbling motion and a bouncing effect. Within seconds of the initial impact, the aircraft departed the runway surface.

An air traffic control tower operator reported hearing a transmission from the captain that drew attention to the aircraft's position. The operator observed the aircraft traveling off the runway, at which point the main landing gear separated from the airframe. Following the separation, the aircraft caught fire. The aircraft eventually came to a stop in a shallow ravine located roughly 331 feet north of the runway. During the incident, four people successfully evacuated the aircraft.

Findings

Post-accident inspections of the aircraft revealed specific structural damage, including impact marks on the nose gear and the nose gear wheel well. However, a technical evaluation of the aircraft's internal systems showed no mechanical anomalies. The separation of the main landing gear was a primary feature of the excursion.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a runway excursion and subsequent fire following a high-speed landing that resulted in the separation of the main landing gear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-07-15 Learjet 35 accident near Eagle County-FlyVail, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced a runway excursion and subsequent fire after landing halfway down the runway, resulting in the separation of the main landing gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 2005-07-15 Learjet 35 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-07-15 involved a Learjet 35, registration N620JM, operated by Aspen Aviation, at Eagle County-FlyVail, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a runway excursion and subsequent fire following a high-speed landing that resulted in the separation of the main landing gear.

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