Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

On January 6, 1996, at 1130 mountain standard time, a Learjet 60, XAICA, registered to the ICA Group, Mexico City, Mexico, sustained substantial damage during landing at Aspen, Colorado. The two commercial pilots were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an IFR flight plan had been filed for this business flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at El Paso, Texas, on January 6, 1996, at 1000.

In a telephone interview, the captain said he aligned the airplane with what he thought was the runway centerline. The airplane touched down in a snow field 1,000 feet beyond the runway threshold and 25 feet right of runway centerline. The nose landing gear collapsed and, after traveling through several snow berms, the airplane skidded back onto the runway and came to a halt at the 4,000 foot mark. The captain said he was unable to positively identify the runway environment due to the blending of the snow-covered runway and surrounding terrain.

NTSB Form 6120.1/2, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, was sent to the crew for completion. Receipt of the document was acknowledged but, after numerous requests, was never returned.

The investigation revealed that the runway had been plowed and swept. The runway lights were covered with plowed snow and were not visible nor operating. Excess snow and dirt were dumped on the right side of the runway. The sun was bright and high in the sky. A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) had been issued, noting that the runway was snow packed and covered with ice. Braking action was reported to be "fair." The pilot's improper in-flight decision to continue with the landing when the runway had not been positively identified. Factors were the snow-covered runway and landing area, sun glare, and the inadequate snow removal by airport personnel.