Akron, OH, USA
N39WA
Gates Learjet 35A
After landing, the pilot taxied from the runway to the ramp area. After making a turn onto the ramp, the airplane began to slide on top of an ice layer. The brakes were ineffective and the co-pilot shut down the engines; however, due to the downward slope of the ramp area and the wind conditions, the airplane continued to accelerate. The airplane struck a concrete retaining wall, before it came to rest. Examination of the ramp area revealed that it was covered with a 1-inch thick layer of smooth clear ice. The operator of the ramp said that other airplanes had taxied into and out of the ramp without problem prior to, and after the accident. However, sand had been applied to the ramp for the other aircraft, but not the accident airplane. In addition, the winds were lighter at the time the other aircraft were taxiing. The weather at the time of the accident included: wind from 270 degrees at 15 knots, and a temperature of 11 degrees F.
On January 30, 2004, about 1235 eastern standard time, a Gates Learjet 35A, N39WA, was substantially damaged while taxiing, after landing at the Akron-Canton Regional Airport (CAK), Akron Ohio. The certificated airline transport pilot and certificated commercial co-pilot were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed for the flight that originated at the Toledo Express Airport, Toledo, Ohio. The positioning flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, the taxi from the runway to the ramp area was normal. After making a right 90 degree turn onto the ramp from taxiway "E", the airplane began to slide on top of an ice layer. The brakes were ineffective and the co-pilot shut down the engines; however, due to the downward slope of the ramp area and the wind conditions, the airplane continued to accelerate. The airplane then struck a concrete retaining wall, before it came to rest. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who examined taxiway "E", and the ramp area about 90 minutes after the accident, noted that conditions on taxiway "E" were 85% dry and sanded; however, the ramp area was covered with a 1-inch thick layer of smooth clear ice. Examination of the airplane by the same FAA inspector revealed that the airplane's nose landing gear had separated, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left main gear actuator separated from the spar and had punctured through the keel beam. In addition, the inspector observed a fuel, and a hydraulic fluid leak. The owner of the fixed base operation (FBO) located on the ramp, said that other airplanes had taxied into and out of the ramp without problem prior to, and after the accident. The owner further stated that sand had been applied to the ramp for the other aircraft, but not the accident airplane. In addition, the winds were lighter at the time the other aircraft were taxiing. The reported weather at CAK, at 1239, was: wind from 270 degrees at 15 knots; visibility 9 miles in light snow; few clouds at 1900 feet; scattered at 2700 feet; ceiling overcast at 3400 feet; temperature 11 degrees F; dew point 1 degree F; altimeter 29.84 inches/Hg.
An improperly maintained ramp area, which resulted in a loss of airplane control while taxiing on ice. Factors in this accident were, high winds, and the down-sloping ramp.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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