Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain the proper glidepath.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane landed short of the runway and the right main gear was damaged upon impact. The pilot and copilot stated that the airplane crossed a tree line and sank rapidly. FAA officials on scene observed tire marks in the soft coral leading up to the runway.
Source record
Factual narrative
On January 24, 1994, about 1155, eastern standard time, N30HJ, a Lear LR-35A, operated by Hop-A-Jet as a 14 CFR Part 91 positioning flight experienced a hard landing at Key Largo, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a VFR flight plan was filed. The airplane received minor damage and the crew of two reported no injuries. The flight had originated from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, about 20 minutes earlier. The captain stated that he was allowing his rated first officer to execute the approach to Ocean Reef Airport. As the airplane cleared the treeline on approach at Vref minus 5 knots the first officer retarded the power levers and the airplane landed short of the runway in the soft coral rock. The airplane then rolled forward and hit the 3 inch high lip damaging the right main landing gear. -