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NTSB Report
September 24, 1992 · Learjet LR-60 · N602LJ
Hutchinson, KS
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 24, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Hutchinson, KS
Aircraft
Learjet LR-60
Tail Number
N602LJ
Operator
Learjet
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI92LA289
THE FLIGHT WAS ENGAGED IN A TEST FLIGHT THAT INVOLVED AN INTENTIONAL INDUCED AUTOPILOT MALFUNCTION AT 80 FEET ABOVE THE RUNWAY SURFACE. THE CREW IS REQUIRED TO DELAY RECOVERY FOR 2.0 SECONDS AND THEN RECOVER FROM THE MALFUNCTION. THE AIRCRAFT MADE A HARD LANDING DURING THE ATTEMPTED RECOVERY RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE AIRPLANE. THE MALFUNCTION INPUT WAS MADE BY AN AVIONICS ENGINEER IN THE AFT CABIN WHO DID NOT HAVE A READOUT OF RADAR ALTITUDE. THE COMPANY AND THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION HAVE MODIFIED THEIR FLIGHT TEST GUIDANCE FOR LOW ALTITUDE INTENTIONAL MALFUNCTIONS SINCE THIS ACCIDENT.
NTSB Probable Cause
INADEQUATE FLIGHT TEST METHODS BY THE MANUFACTURER AND THE FAA WHICH DID NOT PERMIT SAFE OPERATING CLEARANCES.
Full Narrative
THE FLIGHT WAS ENGAGED IN A TEST FLIGHT THAT INVOLVED AN INTENTIONAL INDUCED AUTOPILOT MALFUNCTION AT 80 FEET ABOVE THE RUNWAY SURFACE. THE CREW IS REQUIRED TO DELAY RECOVERY FOR 2.0 SECONDS AND THEN RECOVER FROM THE MALFUNCTION. THE AIRCRAFT MADE A HARD LANDING DURING THE ATTEMPTED RECOVERY RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE AIRPLANE. THE MALFUNCTION INPUT WAS MADE BY AN AVIONICS ENGINEER IN THE AFT CABIN WHO DID NOT HAVE A READOUT OF RADAR ALTITUDE. THE COMPANY AND THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION HAVE MODIFIED THEIR FLIGHT TEST GUIDANCE FOR LOW ALTITUDE INTENTIONAL MALFUNCTIONS SINCE THIS ACCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:55 CDT
Nearest AirportHutchinson (0nm N)
Runway13
Runway Length7001 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftLearjet LR-60
Tail NumberN602LJ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLearjet
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsP&W · PW305 · Turbofan · 4600
Seats8
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 41 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 10 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO