NTSB finds overweight Citation V overran runway with snow on wings

US investigators blame an overweight Cessna 560 Citation V taking off with snow-contaminated wings for a runway overrun at a Colorado airport.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the jet did not respond to the pilot's full-aft control yoke input as it reached a rotation speed of 103kt during the take-off roll from runway 1 at Pagosa Springs. The pilot aborted at 120kt and applied full reverse thrust and braking, but the aircraft overran by about 500ft into grass beyond the runway, sliding sideways and suffering substantial damage to both wings.

The accident occurred on 27 December 2024. Ten occupants were on board, along with three dogs and baggage.

The inquiry found that the pilot held a type rating for the aircraft but was not qualified to act as a single pilot in the jet, and that the jet was not certified for single-pilot operation. The co-pilot, with whom the pilot had not previously flown, held no type ratings. The NTSB said neither pilot had the proper ratings and qualifications for the flight.

Analysis put the aircraft's weight on take-off at around 16,500lb, while the pilot had reported about 15,700lb, just below the 15,900lb maximum. Investigators calculated a payload of 2,154lb against the pilot's figure of 1,285lb. The pilot testified that she used standard passenger weights in a flight application and estimated baggage weight. The inquiry added that the centre of gravity was near the forward limit and the aircraft was likely outside its operating envelope.

Investigators also cited a poor pre-flight inspection, noting that snow was falling while passengers boarded.