Runway excursion during approach at Zihuatanejo

No fatalities • Zihuatanejo, Mexico • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft performing a positioning flight experienced a runway excursion after landing on a wet surface, resulting in significant damage to the airframe.

What happened

A positioning flight traveling from Toluca Airport to Zihuatanejo ended in a runway excursion during the landing phase. While the flight was initially proceeding without incident, changing weather conditions near the destination airport necessitated a change in arrival procedures. Air traffic control updated the flight's clearance from a VOR approach for runway 26 to a VOR/DME approach for runway 08 due to developing cloud cover in the area.

During the landing sequence, the aircraft was on an unstabilized approach. Upon touching down on a wet runway surface, the aircraft began to skid and drifted toward the left side of the runway. As the aircraft veered off the paved surface into a grassy area, the left main landing gear struck a concrete block that housed the airport's electrical system. The impact was severe enough to tear the gear from the aircraft. The plane continued to slide for several dozen meters before coming to a complete stop. There were no fatalities among the crew, and both pilots were able to evacuate the aircraft safely. The aircraft type sustained damage that was determined to be beyond repair.

Findings

  • The approach to runway 08 was not stabilized prior to touchdown.
  • The wet condition of the runway contributed to the loss of directional control.
  • The aircraft's path led it off the runway into an obstacle, specifically a concrete electrical housing.

Probable cause

An unstabilized approach and landing on a wet runway caused the aircraft to skid and veer off the runway surface.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-11-16 Learjet 60 accident near Zihuatanejo, Mexico?

An aircraft performing a positioning flight experienced a runway excursion after landing on a wet surface, resulting in significant damage to the airframe.

Were there any fatalities in the 2015-11-16 Learjet 60 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-11-16 involved a Learjet 60, registration XA-UQP, operated by Servicios Aéreos Estrella, at Zihuatanejo, Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An unstabilized approach and landing on a wet runway caused the aircraft to skid and veer off the runway surface.

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