Runway Excursion at Rand Airport Involving Hawker Beechcraft Premier 1

Casualties unknown • FAGM Runway 11 beyond the threshold of Runway 29, ZA

A private flight involving a Hawker Beechcraft Premier 1 resulted in a runway overrun at Rand Aerodrome after an unstable approach and braking difficulties.

What happened

On 22 November 2017, a Hawker Beechcraft Premier 1, registration ZS-CBI, was operating a private flight from Cape Town International Aerodrome to Rand Aerodrome. The flight, which transitioned from instrument flight rules to visual flight rules for the arrival, was being operated by a two-person crew.

Upon approaching Rand Aerodrome, the crew elected to land on Runway 11. During the landing roll, the pilot-in-command reported that the aircraft touched down near the first taxiway exit but experienced a period of floating on the runway. Although the pilot applied the brakes, the aircraft failed to decelerate effectively. As the aircraft reached approximately 300 metres beyond the intersection of Runway 11 and Runway 35, the first officer applied the emergency brakes. This action caused the main tyres to burst. The aircraft subsequently skidded, overran the runway, and entered soft ground after traversing a small ditch. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft, including damage to the landing gear, wing spar, and flaps, though the crew escaped without injury.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical systems, the meteorological conditions, and the flight crew's actions. Technical analysis of the brake assembly, anti-skid control unit, and power brake valves revealed no mechanical anomalies or pre-existing failures; the components were found to be in serviceable condition and functioned normally during bench testing. The investigation also reviewed the aerodrome's infrastructure, noting that the runway lacked a smooth overrun area for emergency use. Meteorological data confirmed a wind of 230° at 11 knots at the time of the accident.

Findings

  • The aircraft was unstable on approach due to a "hot and high" condition.
  • The landing was deep, occurring likely near the second taxiway exit.
  • The lift dumps were not deployed during the landing sequence.
  • The emergency brakes were applied incorrectly.
  • The crew did not utilize the available option to abort the landing despite the instability.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the runway excursion was an unstable approach characterized by high speed and high altitude, which led to a deep touchdown and subsequent inability to stop the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-11-22 Hawker Beechcraft Premier 1 accident near FAGM Runway 11 beyond the threshold of Runway 29, ZA?

A private flight involving a Hawker Beechcraft Premier 1 resulted in a runway overrun at Rand Aerodrome after an unstable approach and braking difficulties.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-11-22 involved a Hawker Beechcraft Premier 1, registration ZS-CBI, at FAGM Runway 11 beyond the threshold of Runway 29, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the runway excursion was an unstable approach characterized by high speed and high altitude, which led to a deep touchdown and subsequent inability to stop the aircraft.

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