Background
A VFR positioning flight was conducted from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE). The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) captured communications and crew interactions during the flight.
Flight Sequence
While waiting for takeoff from FLL, the flightcrew heard the local controller report winds of 250 degrees at 19 knots, gusting to 50 knots, to a Delta Airlines flight on a seven-mile final for runway 27R. That flight performed a missed approach. At 1130:05, the captain asked the first officer if they could see the end of the weather and if a hard right turn would keep them clear. The first officer responded affirmatively. At 1130:06, the local controller issued a wind shear alert. The captain commented "sweet." At 1132:11, the captain requested clearance to depart; the controller approved a right turn direct to FXE and cleared them for takeoff on runway 27R. After takeoff, at 1133:10, the captain called for gear up. At 1133:17, the captain expressed doubt about the decision, and the first officer reported no airport in sight. At 1133:43, precipitation sounds were recorded on the CVR. At 1133:46, the FLL controller instructed the flight to contact FXE Tower. At 1133:54, the FXE controller reported wind 200 variable 250 at 15 knots, a heavy cell of weather moving eastbound, and possible low-level wind shear. At 1134:16, low-level wind shear advisories were issued. At 1135:02, the FXE controller updated wind to 210 variable 250 at 35 knots gusting, heavy rains, and asked for intentions. The flight requested a full-stop landing and was cleared for a straight-in approach to runway 31. At 1135:48, the controller cleared the flight to land, noting wet runways, standing water, and low-level wind shear advisories. At 1137:17, the sound of touchdown was recorded. At 1137:19, a thrust reverser warning tone began. At 1137:23, a loud roaring sound lasted 8 seconds, followed by rumbling noises consistent with the aircraft departing the runway. At 1137:36, a landing gear warning tone sounded. At 1137:39, the captain stated the thrust reversers did not stow. At 1138:36, the captain repeated that the thrust reversers remained deployed. The CVR recording ended.
Weather Conditions
Weather data from satellite and Doppler radar indicated rapidly developing cumulonimbus clouds over the area. At 1132, an infrared image showed a cloud top at 22,000 feet over FXE and 39,000 feet southwest of FXE. By 1145, the cloud top over FXE reached 42,000 feet. Radar from Melbourne, Florida, located 118 miles north-northwest, showed that a VIP Level 1-2 echo at 1130 evolved into a VIP Level 5 "intense" echo by 1135 and a VIP Level 6 "extreme" echo by 1145.
Landing
The flight landed on runway 31. Weather conditions included a 30-knot crosswind, heavy rain, low-level wind shear, and hydroplaning on a wet, ungrooved runway.