Notes Tire Debris, "Airplane Components" Found On Runway

Editor's Note: Below is the unedited transcript of the National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report on the September 19 takeoff downing of a chartered Lear 60 at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) in South Carolina. As ANN reported, the accident claimed the lives of both pilots and two passengers onboard; two others were able to escape with severe burns.

In the report, the NTSB notes tire debris was found along the 8,600-foot runway at CAE, further supporting the Board's working theory the plane's flight crew may have attempted to abort takeoff due to a blown tire. Unspecified "airplane components" were found along the runway, as well.

The NTSB also notes the aircraft was apparently on fire before it crossed a road across from the runway and impacted a berm. (The report does not mention whether the Board has also consulted with Paris Hilton, for her unique and expert analysis of the situation -- Ed.)

NTSB Identification: DCA08MA098
Nonscheduled 14 CFR Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter
Accident occurred Friday, September 19, 2008 in Columbia, SC
Aircraft: Learjet LR60, registration: N999LJ
Injuries: 4 Fatal, 2 Serious.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On September 19, 2008, at about 11:53 pm EDT, a Learjet Model 60 (N999LJ) operated by Global Exec Aviation as an on-demand passenger flight under 14 CFR Part 135 overran runway 11 while departing Columbia, South Carolina, enroute to Van Nuys, California.

The 2 crewmembers and 2 of the 4 passengers were fatally injured, the other 2 passengers suffered serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by extensive post-crash fire. Weather was reported as clear with light winds.

Tire debris and portions of airplane components were found along the 8,600 foot runway. According to witnesses and initial information, the beginning of the takeoff roll appeared normal, then sparks were observed as the airplane traveled along the runway.

The airplane continued beyond the runway threshold, through the approximately 1,000 foot runway safety area and impacted airport lighting, navigation facilities, perimeter fence and concrete marker posts.

The airplane then crossed a roadway, and came to rest on an embankment on the far side of the road. The fire began on the airport side of the roadway.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov