HondaJet Excursion: Pilots Exceeded Crosswind Limits
A runway excursion involving a HondaJet at Orlando International Airport has been attributed to pilots exceeding the aircraft’s crosswind limitations, according to a final report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The incident occurred on January 28, 2024, when the twinjet veered off the left side of Runway 36L during landing and struck a frangible runway distance-remaining sign, causing substantial damage to the aircraft’s left wing. Despite the impact, the pilots were able to regain control, steer the aircraft back onto the runway, and bring it to a stop on a taxiway. No injuries were reported among the two pilots and two passengers onboard the Part 135 on-demand flight.
According to the NTSB, the primary cause of the accident was the flight crew’s failure to maintain control after landing in wind conditions that exceeded the aircraft’s certified crosswind limits. Contributing factors included the crew’s decision to continue the approach despite known gusting crosswinds and an incorrect in-flight calculation of the crosswind component.
Weather data shows the crew had multiple warnings leading up to the landing. Nearly 90 minutes before arrival, automated weather reports indicated winds from 270 degrees at up to 24 knots. As the aircraft approached the airport, updated reports confirmed similar or worsening conditions. Just 1.2 nautical miles from the runway threshold, air traffic control advised winds of 290 degrees at 19 knots, gusting to 24 knots, values that exceeded the HondaJet’s published crosswind capability.
Cockpit voice recorder data revealed that the pilots discussed the crosswind limitations, company procedures, and even considered diverting to Orlando Executive Airport, which offered a more favorable runway alignment. However, the pilot flying ultimately chose to continue the approach.
The NTSB noted that wind conditions had consistently exceeded the aircraft’s crosswind limits for more than an hour prior to the accident, suggesting that a diversion or go-around should have been executed. Investigators concluded that the decision to proceed with the landing under these conditions significantly increased the risk of a runway excursion.
The incident highlights the critical importance of adhering to aircraft performance limitations and making conservative operational decisions, particularly in adverse weather. It also underscores how even experienced crews can face heightened risk when operational pressures or miscalculations override established safety margins.
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=HondaJet, https://airguide.info/?s=NTSB
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ainonline.com