Narrative:A Cessna 550 Citation II, N26496, received substantial damage when it struck an arresting cable on takeoff roll at Comayagua-Palmerola Air Base (XPL), Honduras.
The pilot reported that, when he saw the arresting gear, the airplane was traveling at a speed over 70 knots and his "closure rate on the cable was too high to abort and not still run over" the cable. In his written report the pilot reported that he forgot that the cable was there. After takeoff, the cabin would not pressurize and the airplane returned to Sato Cano for landing. Inspection revealed that the UHF antenna had been struck and ruptured the pressure vessel.
Probable Cause:
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the arresting gear, resulting in the aircraft striking an arresting cable. The pilot's complacency was a factor.
Sources:
» NTSB
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does
not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Comayagua-Palmerola Air Base to Panama City-Tocumen International Airport as the crow flies is 1068 km (667 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.