Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Speed at the time of approaching the runway for landing may be responsible for the July 31 crash of a Saudi-registered private plane at Blackbushe Airport, the Saudi Aviation Investigation Bureau (AIB) said Wednesday. Preliminary investigation report on the accident that killed three members of the Bin Laden family and the pilot said the plane touched the runway at a speed of 150 knots against the 108 knots recommended by the aircraft manufacturer, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. Captain Ibrahim Bin Salman Al-Kishi, AIB director general, said preliminary findings were based on an investigation report conducted jointly by Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) of Britain and AIB. The report also revealed that wheels of the aircraft made contact with the runway surface at a distance of 710 meters, away by only 349 meters from the end of the 1,059-meter facility. Moreover, the aircraft speed when touching the ground on the runway was 134 knots. According to the manufacturer's estimate, the plane requires 616 meters to make a stop. The report added that the plane continued to move up to the end of the runway and hit several cars at a site adjacent to the airport and exploded into flames. Captain Al-Kishi said the final report will include the causes and circumstances that led to the crash. Safety recommendations will also be issued with the aim of preventing the recurrence of such incidents, he said.
