Yesterday evening, a Cessna Citation light business jet experienced a runway overrun at Antwerp International Airport (ANR), Belgium. The plane had arrived from Naples International Airport (NAP) in southern Italy. Belgian authorities have announced their intentions to launch an investigation into the incident, which caused another aircraft to divert.
What happened?
The incident occurred in the evening of January 30th in Antwerp, Belgium. The flight in question (numbered as JSY307C) had departed Naples, Italy at 18:37 local time, according to AirNav RadarBox. Earlier that day, the aircraft involved had flown in from Zagreb, Croatia without incident.
After a seemingly uneventful flight, the flight only began encountering difficulties as it arrived in Antwerp. According to Aviation24.be, the aircraft touched down late while landing on ANR's runway 11. This surface is paved with asphalt, and is around 1,500 meters / 5,000 feet long. The plane landed at 20:57 local time.
As a result of the late touchdown, the aircraft was reportedly still traveling at a speed of 41 knots when it reached the end of the runway. Photos that have since emerged on social media show it having overshot the asphalt surface and come to a stop in the grass beyond the runway's end.
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Investigation and diversion
There are three very distinct wheel tracks in the grass, seemingly showing where its landing gear dug into the ground, bringing it to a stop. The cause of the incident remains unknown. However, Belgian authorities will be launching an investigation into this runway excursion. It remains to be seen how long it will take for the results of this to surface. Nonetheless, it will certainly be interesting to see what caused the incident to occur.
At least one aircraft is said to have had to divert due to the runway overrun by the Cessna Citation. This appears to have been a JetNetherlands Saab 340B, registered as PH-CUA. It diverted to Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST), around 110 km (60 NM) away, where it landed at 21:44 local time.
The aircraft involved
The aircraft that overran the runway in Antwerp on January 30th was a Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2. Its registration is 9A-JSC, and it belongs to the Croatian charter company JungSky. Data from AirNav RadarBox shows that it has not left Antwerp since the incident yesterday evening.
According to Central Jets, 9A-JSC is based at Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG). This year will see it turn 16 years old, having been constructed in 2005. It underwent a refurbishment in 2016, which enhanced both its interior and exterior. The aircraft's exclusive passenger cabin has space for just six very lucky customers.
What do you make of this incident? Have you ever seen, or even flown on, a light business jet from the Cessna Citation family? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!