Notes Tire Debris, "Airplane Components" Found On Runway
Editor's Note: Below is the unedited transcript of the
National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report on the
September 19 takeoff downing of a chartered Lear 60 at Columbia
Metropolitan Airport (CAE) in South Carolina.
As ANN reported, the accident claimed the
lives of both pilots and two passengers onboard; two others were
able to escape with severe burns.
In the report, the NTSB notes tire debris was found along the
8,600-foot runway at CAE, further supporting the Board's working
theory the plane's flight crew may have attempted to abort takeoff
due to a blown tire. Unspecified "airplane components" were found
along the runway, as well.
The NTSB also notes the aircraft was apparently on fire before
it crossed a road across from the runway and impacted a berm.
(The report does not mention whether the Board has also
consulted with Paris Hilton, for her
unique and expert analysis of the situation --
Ed.)
NTSB Identification: DCA08MA098
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter
Accident occurred Friday, September 19, 2008 in Columbia, SC
Aircraft: Learjet LR60, registration: N999LJ
Injuries: 4 Fatal, 2 Serious.
This is preliminary information,
subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this
report will be corrected when the final report has been
completed.
On September 19, 2008, at about 11:53
pm EDT, a Learjet Model 60 (N999LJ) operated by Global Exec
Aviation as an on-demand passenger flight under 14 CFR Part 135
overran runway 11 while departing Columbia, South Carolina, enroute
to Van Nuys, California.
The 2 crewmembers and 2 of the 4
passengers were fatally injured, the other 2 passengers suffered
serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by extensive
post-crash fire. Weather was reported as clear with light
winds.
Tire debris and portions of airplane
components were found along the 8,600 foot runway. According to
witnesses and initial information, the beginning of the takeoff
roll appeared normal, then sparks were observed as the airplane
traveled along the runway.
The airplane continued beyond the
runway threshold, through the approximately 1,000 foot runway
safety area and impacted airport lighting, navigation facilities,
perimeter fence and concrete marker posts.
The airplane then crossed a roadway,
and came to rest on an embankment on the far side of the road. The
fire began on the airport side of the roadway.