20161013020059A

On October 13, 2016 at approximately 10:45AM boston FSDO was notified by the roc of N518AR landing and crashing through the localizer antenna at the departure end of runway 5 at ksfz at 10:30AM local. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, however no fire or any injuries were reported by the 2 crew and 4 passengers. The aircraft was landing at ksfz, inbound from kagc on a business related trip. Witnesses and ramp surveillance camera footage indicate that the aircraft touched down long, skidded and impacted the localizer antenna at the end of the runway. The aircraft continued off the pavement before coming to rest on a steep downhill slope, upright. The weather was low IFR, but gradually improving at the time of the accident.

Inspectors robert berlyn and chester antczak were immediately dispatched to the scene by the iic (inspector aidan seltsam-wilps) and arrived at approximately 12:30PM local. The crew had exchanged information with the airport manager and representative of riac, departed for a business meeting and then caught an airline flight home before they could be interviewed by the FAA. Extensive photographic evidence was taken, including ramp camera footage showing the landing flare and touchdown point. All evidence, including crew interviews (which took place via phone on 10/17/2016) indicate that the aircraft touched down on runway 5, approximately half way down the runway, with approximately 2,300? Of pavement remaining. PIC statements also indicated that the aircraft was likely 20-30 knots faster than the ideal landing speed. Witness statements also indicate a perception that the aircraft was high and fast as it approached the runway. One witness also stated that while the automated weather system at ksfz was reporting calm winds, there was a definite breeze out of the southwest (tailwind) of approximately 5-10 knots. Touchdown marks and skid marks were clearly evident, with characteristic signs of heavy braking and proper anti-skid operation. As the aircraft approached the end of the pavement, it swerved slightly to the right, and then swerved hard to the left as it hit the dirt/grass. The aircraft struck the localizer antenna with its right side approximately 250? From the edge of the runway pavement. The nose wheel was found severed lying among the localizer antenna debris. The aircraft came to rest on the steep downward slope of the facing west largely intact. The flight crew shut down the aircraft and evacuated the passengers who were checked by EMS for injuries.

Subsequent inspections of the airframe and cockpit showed that the flaps were set to the final flight only positon, and the ground flaps/spoilers were not deployed on landing. Flight crew interviews confirm the ground flaps were not deployed. The leading edges of the wings, belly, main landing gear doors, and nose landing gear sustained substantial damage from impact with the antenna and the raised mound of dirt/gravel that surrounds that structure. The main landing gear appeared relatively intact and the aircraft was able to be towed on its main gear after being hoisted by crane. Some damage to the upper fuselage skins occurred from flying localizer debris, as indicated by matching paint transfer marks. The cabin door functioned normally.