GATES LEAR JET 35 near Opa-Locka, FL — 2011-07-12

Probable cause

The flightcrew’s inadvertent encounter with windshear during landing, which resulted in a loss of control.

NTSB narrative

When the pilot made his initial radio contact with the tower air traffic controller, he acknowledged receiving the airport’s latest automatic terminal information service information. As the airplane approached the airport, the controller made several announcements that there was an area of weather about 5 miles in diameter with light-to-moderate precipitation over the airport. The pilot reported that, during the landing, at an altitude of about 30 feet above the runway, the airplane encountered windshear. The airplane started to roll to the left, and the airspeed decreased by 20 knots. As the pilot attempted to regain control of the airplane, the right wingtip contacted the runway surface. A review of high resolution automated surface observation system data from the airport indicated that, 2 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 338 degrees at 4 knots. Subsequently, there was a steady increase in wind velocity to 15 knots 4 minutes after the accident. During this 6 minute period, the wind direction varied between 353 degrees and 011 degrees. Terminal Doppler weather radar data indicated strong convective activity northwest of the airport from 2 minutes before to 10 minutes after the accident with possible micro bursts and diverging winds near the surface from the time of the accident to 5 minutes after the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Environmental

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have aborted landing due to adverse weather conditions.

NTSB coding

• Windshear or thunderstorm · Landing-flare/touchdown

Evidence available

• CVR
• Photos
• 14 docket documents

Docket documents14

• Cockpit Voice Recorder 12 - Specialist's Factual Reportcvr
• Evidence Control Formform
• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Wreckage Release Formform
• Co-Pilot Statementsinterview
• Pilot's Statementinterview
• E-mail from NTSB Weather Specialistother
• Photo 1 (Front View of Wing Damage) Courtesy of the FAAphotos
• Photo 2 (Side View of Wing Damage) Courtesy of the FAAphotos
• Photo 3 (Overview of Airplane) Courtesy of the FAAphotos
• Miami Dade Accident Reportreport
• Weather Report and Recordsreport
• Weather Reports and Records: July 12, 2011, 17:25:34 GMT, Base Reflectivity for the Opa-Locka Executive Airport Area.report
• Weather Reports and Records: July 12,2011, 17:25:34 GMT, Base Velocity for the Opa-Locka Executive Airport Area.report

Related mishaps

• CESSNA 172N

  2014-07-08 · Edgewater, MD

• SCHEMPP-HIRTH FLUGZEUGBAU DUO DISCUS

  2011-07-01 · Stonewall, TX

• AMS-FLIGHT D.O.O. DG-500 ELAN ORION

  2011-03-14 · Boulder, CO

• PIPER PA-28R-200

  2010-06-07 · Brookshire, TX