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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

January 6, 1996 · Learjet 60 · XAICA

Aspen, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 6, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Aspen, CO
Aircraft
Learjet 60
Tail Number
XAICA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA084

The captain said he aligned the airplane with what he thought was the runway centerline. The airplane touched down in a snow field 1,000 feet beyond the runway threshold and 25 feet to the right of runway centerline. The nose landing gear collapsed and, after traveling through several snow berms, the airplane skidded back onto the runway and came to a halt at the 4,000 foot mark. The captain said he was unable to positively identify the runway environment due to the blending of the snow-covered runway and surrounding terrain. The runway had been plowed and swept. The runway lights were covered with plowed snow and were not visible nor operating. Excess snow and dirt were dumped on the right side of the runway. The sun was bright and high in the sky. A NOTAM had been issued, noting that the runway was snow packed and covered with ice. Braking action was reported to be 'fair.'

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper in-flight decision to continue with the landing when the runway had not been positively identified. Factors were the snow-covered runway and landing area, sun glare, and the inadequate snow removal by airport personnel.

Full Narrative

On January 6, 1996, at 1130 mountain standard time, a Learjet 60, XAICA, registered to the ICA Group, Mexico City, Mexico, sustained substantial damage during landing at Aspen, Colorado. The two commercial pilots were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an IFR flight plan had been filed for this business flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at El Paso, Texas, on January 6, 1996, at 1000. In a telephone interview, the captain said he aligned the airplane with what he thought was the runway centerline. The airplane touched down in a snow field 1,000 feet beyond the runway threshold and 25 feet right of runway centerline. The nose landing gear collapsed and, after traveling through several snow berms, the airplane skidded back onto the runway and came to a halt at the 4,000 foot mark. The captain said he was unable to positively identify the runway environment due to the blending of the snow-covered runway and surrounding terrain. NTSB Form 6120.1/2, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, was sent to the crew for completion. Receipt of the document was acknowledged but, after numerous requests, was never returned. The investigation revealed that the runway had been plowed and swept. The runway lights were covered with plowed snow and were not visible nor operating. Excess snow and dirt were dumped on the right side of the runway. The sun was bright and high in the sky. A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) had been issued, noting that the runway was snow packed and covered with ice. Braking action was reported to be "fair."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 MST
Nearest AirportAspen-Pitkin County/Sardy (0nm)
Runway15
Runway Length7003 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLearjet 60
Tail NumberXAICA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsP&W · PW305A · Turbofan · 4600
Seats9

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Unknown

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 3 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point18 C / 7 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:25
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data