Learjet Lost Gear on Landing

By: Curt Epstein

October 2, 2009
Accidents

Bombardier Learjet 60, Westhampton, N.Y., Aug. 23, 2007–The Board attributed the Learjet’s crash on landing to the captain’s failure to align the airplane properly before touchdown. As the captain was completing a night instrument approach into Francis S. Gabreski Airport, the first officer advised that the captain was “drifting off the side.” Two seconds later, the right main gear touched down, followed by the left, with no evidence that the nosegear contacted the runway. The jet continued off the left side of the runway and lost its left main landing gear before skidding across a taxiway and shedding its nose and right main gear, eventually coming to rest approximately 4,300 feet from the runway threshold.

During the flight, the ATP-certified captain noted the anti-skid light for the
left outboard number-one wheel was illuminated and recycled the switch twice with normal indications. Upon touchdown, he reportedly felt an immediate loss of directional control. The captain stated the thrust reversers were also “locked out” and did not deploy.

Bombardier conducted an examination of the landing gear, brakes, anti-skid system and other related units under Safety Board oversight. No pre-accident mechanical anomalies were noted. The jet suffered damage to the wings and belly. None of the six people on board was injured.

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