Runway excursion involving aircraft during landing

No fatalities • Morristown, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a loss of directional control during the landing roll, resulting in a runway excursion and structural separation of the wings.

What happened

Prior to arrival, the flight crew reviewed meteorological data for the destination, noting a quartering tailwind with speeds of 3 knots and gusts up to 16 knots. The crew assessed these conditions to be within the operational limits of the aircraft. During the approach, both cockpit voice recordings and airport surveillance footage confirmed that the landing phase proceeded normally.

Following touchdown, the pilot flying deployed the thrust reversers. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft executed a sudden rightward turn. The captain reported that attempts to regain directional control through remedial inputs were unsuccessful. Surveillance video captured the aircraft veering sharply to the right approximately nine seconds into the landing roll. As the aircraft departed the runway, the left wingtip made contact with the ground, causing the entire wing assembly, including the wingbox, to separate from the fuselage. The main body of the aircraft traveled a short distance before stopping in an upright position.

Findings

Post-accident investigations confirmed that all braking, steering, and flight control systems, including their respective actuators, were functioning according to design specifications. While a yaw force sensor on the co-pilot's side failed to meet manufacturer testing standards during the post-accident inspection, investigators determined this component had no impact on the aircraft's ability to maintain directional control. Surveillance footage showed a windsock positioned nearly parallel to the ground, suggesting a significant crosswind from the right. Recorded wind data following the event supported the presence of a 90-degree right crosswind. The investigation concluded that inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions by the pilot led to the loss of control and subsequent excursion.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to sufficiently compensate for a strong right crosswind, leading to a loss of directional control during the landing roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2022-04-02 Learjet 75 accident near Morristown, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced a loss of directional control during the landing roll, resulting in a runway excursion and structural separation of the wings.

Were there any fatalities in the 2022-04-02 Learjet 75 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2022-04-02 involved a Learjet 75, registration N877W, operated by Georgia Crown Distributing Company, at Morristown, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to sufficiently compensate for a strong right crosswind, leading to a loss of directional control during the landing roll.

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