Summary
On October 14, 1994, a Learjet 23 (N20TA) was involved in an incident near Holland, MI. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: THE COPILOT'S MISJUDGMENT OF THE TOUCHDOWN POINT, AND THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION TO AVOID THE ACCIDENT.
On October 14, 1994, about 1525 eastern daylight time, a Lear 23 airplane, N20TA, registered to Kalitta Flying Service, dba American International Services, sustained substantial damage when it landed short of the runway threshold at the Tulip City Airport, Holland, Michigan. Neither of the two airline transport certificated pilots aboard were injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed the Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, Michigan, about 1450, and operated in visual meteorological conditions.
The Operator reported that the flight crew departed Ypsilanti for Holland to pickup cargo at Holland and return to Ypsilanti. The copilot was flying the airplane. The flight crew was attempting to land "on the numbers" on runway 08 (5,000'x100').
This incident is documented in NTSB report CHI95LA013. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N20TA.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE COPILOT'S MISJUDGMENT OF THE TOUCHDOWN POINT, AND THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION TO AVOID THE ACCIDENT.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On October 14, 1994, about 1525 eastern daylight time, a Lear 23 airplane, N20TA, registered to Kalitta Flying Service, dba American International Services, sustained substantial damage when it landed short of the runway threshold at the Tulip City Airport, Holland, Michigan. Neither of the two airline transport certificated pilots aboard were injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed the Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, Michigan, about 1450, and operated in visual meteorological conditions.
The Operator reported that the flight crew departed Ypsilanti for Holland to pickup cargo at Holland and return to Ypsilanti. The copilot was flying the airplane. The flight crew was attempting to land "on the numbers" on runway 08 (5,000'x100'). On touchdown, the crew heard a cracking sound, and the airplane veered to the left. The captain took control, applied power and took off. A subsequent fly-by of ground personnel at Tulip City disclosed what appeared to be a leaking left tip fuel tank, and a damaged left main landing gear. The crew elected to return to their home base at Ypsilanti for repairs. During the landing roll at the Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, the airplane's left main landing gear collapsed.
According to the written report filed by the Operator, an examination of the accident site at Tulip City revealed that the airplane landed short of the runway threshold with approximately 10-15 degrees of right yaw.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI95LA013