LEARJET INC 60 near Lafayette, IN — 2011-10-12

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to taxi the airplane across an unpaved area after the nosewheel inadvertently departed the ramp pavement.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he was taxiing from the ramp area with the taxi lights on. He said that the edge of the ramp was not marked, and before he could complete a turn, the nosewheel departed the pavement. He attempted to taxi across the grass area to the parallel taxiway about 50 feet from the ramp. However, the airplane struck a drainage ditch located between the ramp and the taxiway, which caused substantial damage to the delta fins on the underside of the aft fuselage. The pilot said that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane. He said that the ramp was poorly illuminated and the high overcast clouds combined to create "very dark" lighting conditions.

NTSB coding

• Miscellaneous/other · Taxi-to runway
• Decision Making / Judgment

Evidence available

• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Co-Pilot's Statementinterview
• Airport Diagram -- Lafayette/Purdue University (LAF)other
• Conversation Record -- Airport Managerother
• Conversation Record -- FAA Inspectorother

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