No fatalities

2015-11-16: Learjet 60 (XA-UQP) — Servicios Aéreos Estrella — Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Zihuatanejo, MexicoLanding (descent or approach)

On November 16, 2015, a Learjet 60 (registration XA-UQP) operated by Servicios Aéreos Estrella was involved in an aviation accident near Zihuatanejo, Mexico during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Runway excursion due to loss of directional control of the aircraft during the landing run on an unstabilized approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781192663Data APIEditorial standards

A positioning flight from Toluca to Zihuatanejo ended with a runway excursion after an unstabilized approach. The aircraft veered left on a wet runway, struck a concrete block, and was damaged beyond repair; both pilots evacuated safely.

Incident Overview

The crew departed Toluca Airport on a positioning flight to Zihuatanejo. The flight was uneventful until the arrival phase. The crew was initially cleared for a VOR approach to runway 26, but due to cloud formation in the vicinity of the airport, air traffic control changed the clearance and instructed the crew to perform a VOR/DME approach to runway 08.

Approach and Landing

The approach was described as unstabilized. The aircraft landed on a wet runway. After touchdown, the aircraft skidded and veered off the runway to the left. In the grassy area adjacent to the runway, the left main landing gear impacted a concrete block that housed the electrical system for the runway. The impact tore off the left main gear. The aircraft then slid for several dozen meters before coming to rest.

Aftermath

Both pilots evacuated the aircraft safely. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a runway excursion due to loss of directional control of the aircraft during the landing run on an unstabilized approach. The following contributing factors were identified: a) Unstabilized approach, b) Adverse atmospheric conditions in the 'W' area of the airport, c) Change of designation of runway in use for landing, d) Lack of adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), e) Lack of adherence to the concepts of crew resource management (CRM), f) Decreased situational awareness on the part of the commander of the aircraft, g) Flying the approach and descent visually, following an IFR descent within IMC conditions, h) Wet track, i) Lack of crew coordination, j) Poor judgement and incorrect decision, k) Existence of a concrete marker with a level of 10 cm protruding above the road surface in the runway safety zone.