Preliminary Report: Pilot Reports Wake Encounter Preceded Landing Mishap

Bombardier Challenger 600, Aspen, Colo., Feb. 9, 2006–Encountering what the pilot said were wake vortices from a BAe 146 taking off from Runway 33 at Pitkin County Airport, the Challenger was substantially damaged as it landed on Runway 15. At 50 feet agl, the Challenger rolled hard to the left and the stall warning horn sounded.

The ATP-rated pilot added power and the airplane rolled hard to the right. He was able to stop the roll but the nose dropped and the right main landing gear hit the runway. The pilot reduced the power to idle and tried to stay aligned with the centerline. The gear strut penetrated the right wing, the leading edge of the wing was crushed aft, and the aft wing spar was bent and buckled.