Introduction
An aircraft operating at Wheeling-Palwaukee Airport (Chicago-Executive) experienced a runway overshoot during landing, resulting in a crash that injured both pilots and three individuals on the ground. The aircraft was destroyed, along with two cars.
Sequence of Events
For unknown reasons, the flight crew selected the wrong runway for landing, considering the wind component. After touchdown, the captain elected to use all available brake systems when the copilot stowed the thrust reversers. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the aircraft overran the runway, went through a fence and a road, and eventually crashed into a warehouse.
Injuries and Damage
Both pilots and three people on the ground were injured. The aircraft was destroyed, and two cars were also destroyed.
Probable Cause
The official finding states that the probable cause was an overshoot on landing after the crew misjudged distance and speed. The following contributing factors were reported: improper operation of powerplant and powerplant controls, spontaneous improper action on part of the copilot, poor crew coordination, selection of the wrong runway relative to existing wind, issues with the thrust reverser (material failure, asymmetrical thrust reversal, and right engine flex shafts failure).