What happened
On August 11, 2007, a Gates Learjet 35A, registration N500ND, was performing an international on-demand passenger flight from Saint John's, Antigua, to Melville Hall, Dominica. During the landing phase, the aircraft exited the end of runway 09 while still in its landing roll.
The flight, operated by World Jet II, arrived at the destination following an instrument flight rules flight plan under visual meteorological conditions. Upon touchdown, the first officer, who was at the controls, requested the deployment of spoilers and noted that the braking performance was inadequate. Despite attempts by the pilot in command to pump the brakes, the aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently. Although the crew deployed the drag chute, it failed to provide the necessary aerodynamic braking. The pilot in command subsequently took control of the aircraft and applied maximum braking pressure, but the plane continued past the runway perimeter. The aircraft traveled down an embankment, breached a fence, and eventually came to a rest on a nearby road.
There were zero fatalities and zero injuries among the pilot, the first officer, and the four passengers on board. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the excursion.
Findings
- The crew experienced ineffective braking performance following touchdown.
- The deployment of the drag chute did not successfully assist in slowing the aircraft.
- The aircraft exited the runway environment and crossed an embankment and a fence before stopping.