Private Jet Skids Off Wet Runway at Chicago Airport
A Gulfstream G150 business jet overshot runway 34 at Chicago Executive Airport on Wednesday around 12:30 p.m., breaking through a perimeter fence before stopping just short of Hintz Road. The aircraft, which departed from Baltimore/Washington International Airport with two people on board, touched down on the wet runway during light rain conditions that were reported as “100% wet” by air traffic control.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the twin-engine jet – owned by insurance company Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management of Rolling Meadows – landed roughly halfway down the 5,000-foot grooved asphalt runway. The aircraft continued through the airport’s special emergency arresting system designed to help planes slow down, then through the airport fence, stopping with its nose extending slightly over a roadside gutter.
“Very, very fortunate,” said airport officials, noting that no injuries were reported and the aircraft didn’t strike any vehicles on the adjacent road. The FAA is investigating the incident, which highlights the challenges of landing on wet runways during adverse weather conditions.
