Loss of braking and directional control during landing

No fatalities • Las Vegas-Harry Reid (McCarran), United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a loss of hydraulic pressure during approach, leading to a runway excursion and collision with a metal beam after the crew failed to follow emergency procedures.

What happened

During the approach phase, the flight crew experienced a loss of pressure within the main hydraulic system. In response, the pilots activated the auxiliary hydraulic system and utilized emergency procedures to extend the landing gear. As the aircraft reached the two-thirds mark of the runway during the landing roll, the crew observed that the braking system was not functioning as expected.

In an attempt to clear the active runway, the pilots turned onto a taxiway. However, the aircraft could not be steered or stopped, causing it to traverse a parallel runway and enter an adjacent field, where it collided with a metal beam. At the time of the incident, there were no reported fatalities or injuries.

Findings

An investigation into the aircraft's systems confirmed that the brake system remained continuous with the cockpit controls, and the hydraulic lines, tires, and brake assemblies were all undamaged. No leaks were found, and both hydraulic pumps were fully functional. The hydraulic fluid reservoir was approximately 25% full.

The investigation determined that the crew did not attempt to reset the electric hydraulic pump as prescribed by emergency protocols. Instead, they performed the emergency gear extension while the auxiliary hydraulic system was engaged. It is believed that failing to switch the auxiliary system to the off position during gear extension caused the hydraulic pressure to dissipate, leaving only the limited charge of the emergency brake accumulator available for use. Additionally, the crew opted to exit the runway at an intersection rather than utilizing the remaining 3,900 feet of runway to come to a complete stop, which contributed to the loss of directional control.

Probable cause

The loss of hydraulic pressure in the auxiliary system, caused by improper procedure during gear extension, left the crew with insufficient braking capacity.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-07-05 Rockwell Sabreliner 65 accident near Las Vegas-Harry Reid (McCarran), United States of America?

An aircraft experienced a loss of hydraulic pressure during approach, leading to a runway excursion and collision with a metal beam after the crew failed to follow emergency procedures.

Were there any fatalities in the 2013-07-05 Rockwell Sabreliner 65 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-07-05 involved a Rockwell Sabreliner 65, registration XB-RSC, operated by Eseasa Construcciones, at Las Vegas-Harry Reid (McCarran), United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of hydraulic pressure in the auxiliary system, caused by improper procedure during gear extension, left the crew with insufficient braking capacity.

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