Narrative:
The Learjet was operating on an air ambulance flight from Sint Maarten to St. Kitts and Nevis. During the visual approach to runway 10 winds were reported 090 degrees at 16 knots. The pilot was holding Vref 125 plus 10 knots on final. The approach was normal until a downdraft on short final was experienced. The airplane sank and engine power was immediately advanced with an increase in pitch, but the airplane continued to sink. The airplane's main landing gear came in contact with the top of the barbwire fencing at the approach end of the runway. The airplane landed hard, just short of the threshold. The airplane was taxied to the ramp where a close-up examination revealed the left engine, flaps and both lower wing areas incurred substantial damage.
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The pilot's encounter with a downdraft."
Runway mishap
» NTSB
accident date: 13-07-2004
type: Learjet 35A
registration: N829CA
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Tuesday 13 July 2004 |
| Time: | 19:20 |
| Type: |  Learjet 35A |
| Operator: | Aviation Jet Charters |
| Registration: | N829CA |
| MSN: | 35A-459 |
| First flight: | 1981 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 9899 |
| Engines: | 2 Garrett TFE731-2-2B |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 4 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | Nevis-Newcastle Airport (NEV) ( St. Kitts and Nevis)
|
| Phase: | Landing (LDG) |
| Nature: | Ambulance |
| Departure airport: | Sint Maarten-Juliana Airport (SXM/TNCM), Sint Maarten |
| Nevis/Newcastle Airport (NEV/TKPN), St. Kitts and Nevis |
The Learjet was operating on an air ambulance flight from Sint Maarten to St. Kitts and Nevis. During the visual approach to runway 10 winds were reported 090 degrees at 16 knots. The pilot was holding Vref 125 plus 10 knots on final. The approach was normal until a downdraft on short final was experienced. The airplane sank and engine power was immediately advanced with an increase in pitch, but the airplane continued to sink. The airplane's main landing gear came in contact with the top of the barbwire fencing at the approach end of the runway. The airplane landed hard, just short of the threshold. The airplane was taxied to the ramp where a close-up examination revealed the left engine, flaps and both lower wing areas incurred substantial damage.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The pilot's encounter with a downdraft."
Classification:
Windshear/downdraftRunway mishap
Sources:
» FAA» NTSB
Photos
accident date: 13-07-2004
type: Learjet 35A
registration: N829CA
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Sint Maarten-Juliana Airport to Nevis/Newcastle Airport as the crow flies is 107 km (67 miles).
Distance from Sint Maarten-Juliana Airport to Nevis/Newcastle Airport as the crow flies is 107 km (67 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
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