NTSB Factual Report

On March 26, 2007, at 0730 eastern daylight time, a Gates Learjet 36A, N527PA, was substantially damaged during takeoff from the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF), Newport News, Virginia. Both certificated airline transport pilots were not injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the local public use flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

According to the operator, the purpose of the flight was to comply with a contract to support U.S. Navy operations.

According to the pilots, as the airplane approached 120 knots during the takeoff roll from runway 20, they heard a "loud pop." The airplane began to pull to the left, and the pilot flying (PF) aborted the takeoff by retarding the throttles and applying maximum braking. The airplane began to "fishtail" down the runway and the pilot not flying (PNF) activated the drag chute. The drag chute appeared to be inoperative, and the pilots were unable to stop the airplane on the runway. The airplane continued off the right side, impacted a runway light, and came to rest in the grass.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that both of the left main landing gear tires had blown, and the left main landing gear was separated from the airplane. The strap of the drag chute had separated at the woven loop used to secure the drag chute to the airplane, and the strap was located in the vicinity of the blown tires. Additionally, substantial damage was noted to the left wing spar.

The airplane had been modified with "pods" on both wings, in compliance with a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), to support its military missions. The weight of the aircraft at takeoff was approximately 17,112 pounds. The maximum gross weight of the airplane was 18,300 pounds.

Airport personnel reported observing rocks and pieces of metal on the runway after the accident. Runway 20 was a 6,526-foot-long and 150-foot-wide, concrete runway.

According to maintenance records maintained by the operator, the tires were installed on March 3, 2007. Both wheels had 19.83 hours and 10 cycles since their installation.

Due to severe fragmentation of the tires, the origin of the tire failure could not be identified.

A review of the Learjet 36A Airplane Flight Manual, "Aborted Takeoff" checklist read as follows:

"1. Thrust Levers - IDLE

2. Wheel Brakes - Apply

3. Spoilers - EXT

4. Drag Chute or Thrust Reversers (if installed) - Deploy, if necessary

5. Tailcone Access Door - Close and secure. Check chute riser does not jam the deployment ring as tailcone access door is closed.

NOTE: If drag chute deployment occurs above 150 KIAS, or if jettison or failure occurs above 100 KIAS, the drag chute system and adjacent structure must be thoroughly inspected for damage before the next flight.

The drag chute should be deployed on landing at least once during each six-month interval. The drag chute should then be inspected and re-packed per the Maintenance Manual instructions."

According to maintenance records provided by the operator, the drag chute was most recently re-packed during a routine inspection, on January 18, 2007, at 15,093 hours. The airplane flew 59 hours since the inspection. The drag chute had not been deployed prior to, or after the inspection.

After the accident, the operator changed their procedures, to mirror the manufacturer guidance of deploying chutes prior to scheduled inspection/repack cycles.

The captain held an airline transport pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine and multiengine land. His most recent FAA first-class medical certificate was issued on June 29, 2006.

The first officer held an airline transport pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and multiengine airplane. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on October 9, 2006.

According to operator records, the captain had accumulated 3,510 hours of total flight experience, 3,162 hours of which were in make and model. The first officer had accumulated 20,960 hours of total flight experience, 562 hours of which were in make and model.

The weather reported at PHF, at 0654, included wind from 300 degrees at 8 knots, 8 miles visibility, overcast clouds at 600 feet, temperature 4 degrees Celsius (C), dew point 2 degrees C, and altimeter setting 29.77 inches mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the landing gear tires due to foreign object damage (FOD) on the runway. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the drag chute.