Primary finding
Probable cause
The flightcrew’s failure to maintain directional control while initiating an engine reverse after landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The operator's check pilot stated that they were on a non-revenue positioning flight and he was conducting flight training for the new pilot, who was seated in the left seat. This was the new pilot's first flight and landing in the airplane. He landed the airplane normally and was in control of the braking when he brought the propeller control levers into reverse. The airplane then began to turn to the left, exited the runway, and collided with a runway sign before coming to a full stop about 40 feet from the left side of the runway. The pilot tried to steer the airplane with the tiller wheel but was unable to react in time before striking the sign.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 18, 2010 about 1256 eastern daylight time, a Shorts Brothers & Harland SC7 Skyvan, N80GB, registered to and operated by GB Airlink Inc., veered off runway 9 right and collided with a runway sign during landing at the Fort Lauderdale / Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a visual flight plan was filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, instructional flight. The Airline Transport Pilot certificated pilot and the operator’s Airline Transport Pilot certificated check pilot were not injured, and the airplane incurred minor damage. The flight originated from Grand Bahama International Airport (MYGF) Freeport, Bahamas, earlier that day, at 1202. The check pilot stated to the responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector that they were on a non-revenue positioning flight from MYGF and he was conducting flight training for the new pilot seated in the left. This was the new pilot’s first flight and landing in the airplane. He landed the airplane unremarkable and was in control of the braking. The propellers control levers were brought to full beta range (reverse). The airplane then began to turn to the left, exited the runway, and collided with a runway sign before coming to a full stop. The new pilot tried to steer the airplane with the tiller wheel but was unable to react in time before striking the sign. The airplane came to a full stop in the grassy area about 40 feet, from the left side of the runway. The left side of the airplane’s nose cone was torn and wrinkled.