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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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October 12, 2011 · Learjet 60 · N64MG

Lafayette, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 12, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Lafayette, IN
Aircraft
Learjet 60
Tail Number
N64MG
Operator
Mercer Air
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12CA017

The pilot stated that he was taxiing from the ramp area with the taxi lights on. He said that the edge of the ramp was not marked, and before he could complete a turn, the nosewheel departed the pavement. He attempted to taxi across the grass area to the parallel taxiway about 50 feet from the ramp. However, the airplane struck a drainage ditch located between the ramp and the taxiway, which caused substantial damage to the delta fins on the underside of the aft fuselage. The pilot said that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane. He said that the ramp was poorly illuminated and the high overcast clouds combined to create "very dark" lighting conditions.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to taxi the airplane across an unpaved area after the nosewheel inadvertently departed the ramp pavement.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that he was attempting to taxi from the ramp area when the accident occurred. He reported that the airplane taxi lights were on; however, the edge of the ramp was not marked and before he could complete a turn, the nose wheel departed the pavement. He noted that the grass area between the ramp and parallel taxiway appeared to be level and suitable for crossing. After assessing the situation, he attempted to taxi across the grass area to the parallel taxiway about 50 feet from the ramp. However, the airplane encountered a drainage ditch located between the ramp and the taxiway, which caused substantial damage to the delta fins on the underside of the aft fuselage. The pilot noted that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the accident. He commented that the ramp was poorly illuminated and the high overcast clouds combined to create "very dark" lighting conditions.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time23:00 EDT
Nearest AirportPurdue University (1nm)
Runway10
Runway Length6600 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLearjet 60
Tail NumberN64MG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMercer Air
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsP&W Canada · 305 SERIES · Turbofan · 5200 | P&W Canada · 305 SERIES · Turbofan · 5200
Seats11

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 65 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 44 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind80° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 52
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time02:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data