# NTSB WPR22LA344: Gates Lear Jet 36, N26FN, San Diego, CA, September 9, 2022

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report
- Date: September 9, 2022, 13:14 local (20:14 UTC)
- Place: San Diego, CA · Airport Environment
- Coordinates: 32.698196, -117.21311 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.6982&lon=-117.2131&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Landing-landing roll: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Investigation class: Class 3
- NTSB office: Western Pacific Region
- Parties: Honeywell Aerospace, Bombardier Aviation, Aery Aviation, Federal Aviation Administration
- NTSB case key (mKey): 105924
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR22LA344
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/105924/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=105924
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA344

## Probable cause

The flight crew’s fast landing on a wet runway, which resulted in the airplane hydroplaning during the landing roll and subsequently overrunning the runway.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Performance/control parameters: surface speed/braking](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062045): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Attain/maintain not possible (probable cause); cases with it: [Gates Lear Jet 36, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062045/cases.md?model=5170601), [All aircraft, 238 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062045/cases.md)
- [Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface: wet surface](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023010): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on equipment (probable cause); cases with it: [Gates Lear Jet 36, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023010/cases.md?model=5170601), [All aircraft, 141 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023010/cases.md)
- [Ceiling/visibility/precip: rain](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035035): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on equipment (probable cause); cases with it: [Gates Lear Jet 36, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035035/cases.md?model=5170601), [All aircraft, 56 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035035/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Landing-landing roll: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300) (defining event); cases with it: [Gates Lear Jet 36, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=5170601), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md)
- [Landing-landing roll: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090); cases with it: [Gates Lear Jet 36, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md?model=5170601), [All aircraft, 1,506 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The flight crew was supporting a United States Navy (USN) training mission and ended the flight early due to icing conditions. The flight crew calculated a landing reference speed (Vref) of 140 knots (kts) indicated airspeed (KIAS) and landing distance required of 4,200 ft for a wet runway and a flap setting of 20°. Due to underwing-mounted external storage, the landing flaps were limited to a maximum extension of 20°. The flight crew configured the airplane with 20° flaps and reported that the airplane touched down at 140 kts. Although the runway was 8,001 ft long, an arresting cable was located 1,701 ft from the runway threshold, resulting in a runway distance available of about 6,300 ft. After landing, the second in command (SIC) reported that the pilot-in-command (PIC) deployed the spoilers and brakes, then announced that the airplane was not slowing down. The PIC stated that the airplane did not decelerate normally, that the brake anti-skid system was active, and that the airplane seemed to be hydroplaning. He cycled the brakes, which had no effect. The airplane subsequently overran the departure end of the runway, breached an ocean sea wall and came to rest in a nose-down attitude on a sandbar. The airport weather observation system recorded that 0.06 inches of liquid equivalent precipitation fell between 18 and 9 minutes before the accident. In the 4 hours before the accident, the airport received 0.31 inches of liquid equivalent precipitation. A landing performance study conducted by the airplane manufacturer modeled a variety of landing scenarios considered during the investigation. The modeling used factual information provided by the investigation, including ADS-B data, as well as manufacturer-provided airplane performance data specific to the airplane. The study considered the effect on landing distance of both a wet and dry runway, a contaminated runway, both full and intermittent hydroplaning, a localized tailwind (which was not present in the weather data), and an inboard brake failure. The study showed that the most likely scenario, based on the available data, was that the airplane touched down with a ground speed well in excess of the 140 kts Vref speed reported by the crew, and that subsequent to the touchdown encountered full hydroplaning at speeds above 104 kts. The airplane sat overnight on the sandbar and was submerged in saltwater before the airplane was recovered. As a result, the airplane’s braking system could not be functionally tested. However, the physical evidence from the brakes as found postaccident, combined with the results of the landing distance modeling, did not indicate that a brake failure occurred. Similarly, ADS-B data did not support the presence of a localized tailwind when such a landing was modeled in the study. Thus, it’s likely that the flight crew landed too fast and then encountered hydroplaning during the landing roll as a result of a recent heavy rain shower, which diminished the calculatedstopping distance.

## Factual narrative

On September 9, 2022, at 1314 Pacific daylight time, a Gates Lear Jet Corp. 36, N26FN, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near San Diego, California. The two pilots sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations public use flight. The flight crew reported that the flight originated from North Island Naval Air Station (Halsey Field) Airport (NZY), San Diego, California, to support United States Navy training off the coast of San Diego. The flight was conducted as briefed with no abnormalities; however, the flight was ended early due to icing conditions. During the return flight to NZY, the crew planned for an instrument approach. Air traffic control advised that the airport was reporting VFR and that a visual approach was available if the flight crew had the airport in sight. The flight crew noted a staggered cloud base and maneuvered to maintain visual contact with the airport. The pilot in command (PIC) reported that the tower did not provide the flight crew with updated wind information, and he assumed that the wind was calm, as it had been when the flight departed. The flight crew calculated Vref (reference speed) as 140 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) for the landing weight of 14,900 lbs with 20° of flaps. Due to underwing-mounted external storage, the landing flaps were limited to a maximum extension of 20°. The calculated landing distance was approximately 4,200 ft and included factors for 20° flaps and wet runway conditions. Runway 36 at NZY was 8,001 ft long; however, an arresting gear was located within the first portion of the runway (about 1,700 ft from the threshold). The PIC, who was the pilot flying, reported that the approach speed and altitude were nominal, and that the airplane touched down within about 200 ft of the arresting gear as planned. The SIC reported that the PIC deployed the spoilers and brakes, then announced that the airplane was not slowing down. The PIC stated that the airplane did not decelerate normally, that the brake anti-skid system was active, and that the airplane seemed to be hydroplaning. He cycled the brakes, which had no effect. At the 1,000 ft remaining sign, the SIC called out, “100 knots.” The PIC stated that insufficient runway remained on which to stop, and the airplane overran the runway and continued over the sea wall. After the airplane came to rest, the flight crew assessed their injuries and the “aircraft switches were secured, and the engines were shut down.” According to the flight crew, the automated terminal information service (ATIS) at the airport and the tower controller did not report standing water on the runway, nor did the pilots observe any. Recorded ADS-B data showed that while on final approach to the runway, about 1,600 ft from the approach end runway, the airplane had a ground speed of 182 knots, at an altitude of 116 ft mean sea level (msl). The airplane had slowed to about 175 knots about 120 ft fromthe approach end of the runway, about 50 ft above ground level. The data showed that the airplane’s approximate touchdown point was near the arresting cable which was located about 1,700 ft from the approach end of the runway at a ground speed of about 171 knots. The data showed that about 38 seconds after the approximate touchdown, the airplane overran the end of the runway at a ground speed of 63 knots. Postaccident examination revealed that the airplane had exited the departure end of the runway, breached the sea wall barrier, and came to rest about 460 ft from the end of the runway overrun. The airplane remained intact with the nose cone crushed and pushed aft, which also crushed the forward pressure bulkhead. Prior to recovery, the airplane was submerged in salt water overnight, and water entered the cockpit and cabin areas. As a result of the saltwater immersion, the airplane’s braking system was not functionally tested. Flat spots on both the left and right tires were identified. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION At 1255, the National Weather Service’s Aviation Weather Center issued a convective SIGMET that was active for the accident location and valid until 1455. The SIGMET advised an area of embedded thunderstorms associated with Tropical Storm Kay. The ASOS located on the airport reported that, about 9 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 200° at 6 knots, visibility 2 1/2 statute miles, heavy rain, mist, broken ceiling at 3,300 ft above ground level (agl), a broken cloud layer at 4,500 ft agl, overcast clouds at 5,500 ft agl, temperature 25° Celsius (C), dewpoint 23°C, and altimeter setting of 29.51 inches of mercury. The ASOS remarks included that 0.06 inches of liquid equivalent precipitation fell since 1252. According to NZY system reports, the airport received 0.31 inches of liquid equivalent precipitation between 0852 and 1305. The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)-17 data depicted cloudy conditions over the accident region. A Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) issued for NZY and valid for the accident time, forecasted wind from 290° at 7 knots, visibility 5 miles, light rain, few clouds at 2,000 ft agl, scattered clouds at 5,000 ft agl, ceiling overcast at 10,000 ft agl, with frequent to moderate turbulence in clouds from 1,000 to 10,000 ft, and an altimeter setting of 29.47 inches of mercury. Also forecasted were temporary conditions of wind from 230° at 12 knots, visibility of 6,000 meters and moderate rain showers. TESTS AND RESEARCH Two Honeywell Aerospace Digital Electronic Engine Controls (N1 DEECs) were installed on the airplane, one per engine. Incident recorder and data fault history from both N1 DEECs were successfully extracted, with data showing that both engines were operating and responding to power lever inputs throughout the approach and accident sequence. About 30 seconds after touchdown, the Power Lever Angle (PLA) increased with corresponding appropriate response of N1 and N2 speeds,along with interstage turbine temperature (ITT). At the end of the downloaded data, a simultaneous fault between the left and right N1 DEECs was recorded and was consistent with an electrical power loss to both units. A landing performance study conducted by the airplane manufacturer modeled a variety of landing scenarios considered during the investigation. The modeling used factual information provided by the investigation, including ADS-B data, as well as manufacturer-provided airplane performance data specific to the airplane. The study considered the effect on landing distance of both a wet and dry runway, a contaminated runway, both full and intermittent hydroplaning, a localized tailwind (which was not present in the weather data), and an inboard brake failure. The modeling in the study “produced a profile consistent with the factual data when significant hydroplaning was assumed, likely due to the recent heavy rain and continued precipitation on the runway surface combined with a high aircraft ground speed. The model indicated that it was unlikely the high ground speed was due to a severe tailwind, and it also showed that all aircraft brakes were likely operational.” The model that best fit the available data showed that the airplane touched down with a ground speed well in excess of the 140 kts reported by the crew and that, subsequent to the touchdown, encountered full hydroplaning at speeds above 104 kts (See figure, below). Figure plotting speed with landing distance along with runway features. Note the incorporated ADS-B data of groundspeed and time.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N26FN](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N26FN), registered now, S/N 011, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GATES LEAR JET CORP. 36
- Registry model: [Gates Lear Jet 36](https://openairdocs.org/model/gates-lear-jet-36) (registry code 5170601) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Garrett TFE731 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/garrett-tfe731-series) (registry code 29001, turbo-fan) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 011
- Year built: 1975
- Airframe hours: 17024.1
- Engines: GARRETT TFE-731-2-2B 3500 lbs thrust turbo fan; GARRETT TFE-731-2-2B 3500 lbs thrust turbo fan
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Public use
- Operator: Strategic Airborne Operations
- Registered owner: Gh Equipment LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special); Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, May 3, 2022
- Destination: Same as departure
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: NZY, North Island Nas /Halsey Fld/, runway 36, 8,000 × 200 ft, concrete
- Equipment: ADS-B, Video recording device, Stall warning system, Satellite tracking device, Onboard weather, Electronic primary flight display, Electronic multifunction display, Electronic flight bag or handheld device, Auto-pilot, Angle of attack indicator

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; injuries: minor; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1; last flight review July 27, 2022; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 7,200 total, 5,250 in this make and model, 5,665 as pilot in command, 133 in the last 90 days, 46 in the last 30 days
- Co-pilot; age 66; injuries: minor; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2; last flight review February 22, 2022; seat: right; flight hours: 18,288 total, 165 in this make and model, 12,147 as pilot in command, 116 in the last 90 days, 21 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 2.5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,300 ft broken
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 29.51 inHg
- Observed at: KNZY
- METAR: SPECI KNZY 092005Z 20006KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR BKN033 BKN045 OVC055 25/23 A2951 RMK AO2 P0006 T02500228=

## FAA reports on this event (1)

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

- [Accident 20220909008509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20220909008509A), Sep 9, 2022: Gates Lear Jet Corp 36, Coronado, CA, Substantial damage. On the day of the accident there was a tropical storm about 130 miles south of san diego. The weather at the airport was reported as IMC with heavy rain and…

## Other investigations on N26FN (1)

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.

- [NTSB LAX07TA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07TA051), Dec 1, 2006: Learjet 36 (N26FN), San Diego, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering, which resulted in exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft. Contributing to the accident was the sunglare.

## Docket (15 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on October 3, 2024, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=105924. 27.6 MB in all.

- Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 11 pages, 2.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15350689&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=6120_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Pilot statements (item 2, PDF, 3 pages, 142 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17507188&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Pilot%20Statements_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Pilot's statement - stoller statement (PIC) (item 3, PDF, 10 pages, 1.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17485365&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=PIC%20Stoller%20Statement_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Pilot's statement -SIC morello (item 4, PDF, 4 pages, 695 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17483732&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=SIC%20Morello%20Statement_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Memorandum for record a�� dlievanos safety officer (item 5, PDF, 1 page, 66 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17735173&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=WPR22LA344%20MMR%20-Rel.pdf
- FAA inspector's statement (item 6, PDF, 1 page, 63 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17481698&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=WPR22LA344%20FAA%20MOR-Rel.pdf
- Photos (item 7, PDF, 2 pages, 212 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17481160&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=WPR22LA344%20Photograph-Rel.pdf
- Meteorology specialist's factual report (item 8, PDF, 9 pages, 751 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15746897&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=WX_WPR22LA344_Specialists_Factual-Rel.pdf
- FAA ADS-B overlay of flight (kmz) (item 9, KMZ, 291 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17618128&FileExtension=kmz&FileName=104353_20220909190000_Once-Rel.kmz
- FAA ADS-B raw data (csv) (item 10, CSV, 7.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17617731&FileExtension=csv&FileName=104353_20220909190000_Once-Rel.csv
- Reports from parties to the investigation - report from Bombardier (item 11, PDF, 28 pages, 12.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17483952&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ASIO-2024-ML-012-Rel.pdf
- Honeywell deec summary (item 12, PDF, 3 pages, 75 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17573624&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=WPR22LA344%20-%20San%20Diego%20-%20DEEC%20Summary-Rel.pdf
- Statement of party representatives to NTSB investigation operator (item 13, PDF, 1 page, 1.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15350229&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=NTSB%20Investigation%20PARTY%20TO%20INVESTIGATION%20FORM_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Statement of party representatives to NTSB investigation Honeywell (item 14, PDF, 2 pages, 314 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15350502&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=WPR22LA344%20Party%20Form%20(Eller)_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 15, PDF, 2 pages, 365 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17481020&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=wreckage%20release_Redacted-Rel.pdf

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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