# NTSB MIA94IA059: Learjet LR-35A, N30HJ, Key Largo, FL, January 24, 1994

- Type: NTSB incident investigation
- Classification: Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report
- Date: January 24, 1994, 11:55 local (16:55 UTC)
- Place: Key Largo, FL
- Coordinates: 25.079669, -80.440116 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=25.0797&lon=-80.4401&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 14, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37440
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA94IA059
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37440/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94IA059

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER GLIDEPATH.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - landing gear - overload

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE LANDED SHORT OF THE RUNWAY AND THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR WAS DAMAGED UPON IMPACT. THE PILOT AND COPILOT STATED THAT THE AIRPLANE CROSSED A TREE LINE AND SANK RAPIDLY. FAA OFFICIALS ON SCENE OBSERVED TIRE MARKS IN THE SOFT CORAL LEADING UP TO THE RUNWAY.

## Factual narrative

On January 24, 1994, about 1155, eastern standard time, N30HJ, a Lear LR-35A, operated by Hop-A-Jet as a 14 CFR Part 91 positioning flight experienced a hard landing at Key Largo, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a VFR flight plan was filed. The airplane received minor damage and the crew of two reported no injuries. The flight had originated from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, about 20 minutes earlier.

The captain stated that he was allowing his rated first officer to execute the approach to Ocean Reef Airport. As the airplane cleared the treeline on approach at Vref minus 5 knots the first officer retarded the power levers and the airplane landed short of the runway in the soft coral rock. The airplane then rolled forward and hit the 3 inch high lip damaging the right main landing gear.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N30HJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N30HJ-2009-04-29), registration cancelled 2009-04-29, S/N 226, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Learjet LR-35A
- Registry model: [Gates Learjet 35A](https://openairdocs.org/model/gates-learjet-35a) (registry code 5170602) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Garrett TFE731 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/garrett-tfe731-series) (registry code 29001, turbo-fan) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 226
- Airframe hours: 10883
- Engines: GARRETT TFE 731 2-2B 3500 lbs thrust turbo fan
- Damage: Minor damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Hop-A-Jet
- Registered owner: Joda Partnership
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Transport
- Departed: FLL, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: X09, Ocean Reef Club

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 3,450 total, 950 in this make and model, 2,050 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 60 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MIA

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Incident 19940124027999I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940124027999I), Jan 24, 1994: Lear 35A, Key Largo, FL, Minor damage. Landed shot in soft coral rock, rolled onto runway. Lip damaged right main landing gear.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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