On August 6, 1986, a Learjet 55 Longhorn (registration N921FP) operated by Federal Paper Board Company was involved in an aviation accident near Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional (State), United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Occurrence #1: overrun — Findings: 1. Light condition: daylight. 2. Cause: wrong runway selected by pilot in command. 3. Factor: complacency. 4. Cause: checklist not used. 5. Aborted takeoff performed. 6. Cause: procedures/directives not followed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A Lear 55 overran the runway during an aborted takeoff after the crew inadvertently selected the wrong runway, resulting in a collision with a stone wall and aircraft destruction.
Accident Sequence
A Lear 55 was taxiing for departure. During the taxi, the flight crew inadvertently began a takeoff on a runway that was not the correct one. Upon recognizing the mistake, the pilot-in-command decided to abort the takeoff because the runway length was substantially shorter than the required field length. However, insufficient runway remained to bring the aircraft to a complete stop. The Lear 55 overran the departure end of the runway and collided with a stone wall. The impact caused a fire that destroyed the aircraft. The copilot received minor injuries; the pilot and a passenger were not injured. The accident occurred during daylight conditions.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation identified several factors and causes for the accident. The pilot-in-command selected the wrong runway for takeoff. The flight crew did not utilize the checklist. Procedures and directives were not followed. Complacency on the part of the pilot was noted as a factor. The aborted takeoff was executed by the pilot. The overrun resulted in a collision with a fence (stone wall).
Probable cause
Occurrence #1: overrun — Findings: 1. Light condition: daylight. 2. Cause: wrong runway selected by pilot in command. 3. Factor: complacency. 4. Cause: checklist not used. 5. Aborted takeoff performed. 6. Cause: procedures/directives not followed. Occurrence #2: ground collision with object — Findings: 7. Factor: fence.