What happened
On the day of the accident, a Hop-a-Jet 55 was conducting a VFR positioning flight from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE). While awaiting takeoff at FLL, the flightcrew observed a Delta Airlines flight performing a missed approach due to high winds and gusts of up to 50 knots. Despite a wind shear alert being issued for the area, the captain requested departure and was cleared for takeoff on runway 2/R with a right turn departure. During the climb, the captain expressed concern regarding the approaching weather, and the crew noted the aircraft was entering heavy precipitation.
As the aircraft approached FXE, the local controller issued low-level wind shear advisories and reported heavy rains moving eastbound. The flightcrew requested to proceed inbound for a full stop, and the controller cleared the Hop-a-Jet 55 to land on runway 31, noting significant wind gusts and the presence of standing water on the runway.
Upon landing at approximately 11:37, the aircraft experienced a period of intense noise and vibration. Following the touchdown, a thrust reverser warning tone became continuous. The captain reported that the thrust reversers failed to stow. During an attempted go-around, the captain noted that the thrust reversers remained deployed, leading to the aircraft departing the runway.
Findings
Satellite and radar data indicated the presence of a rapidly developing cumulonimbus cloud between the two airports. Doppler weather radar from Melbourne, Florida, showed that the weather at FXE intensified from a Level 1 echo to an extreme Level 6 echo during the period surrounding the accident. The flight encountered heavy winds and low-level wind shear during the landing phase.