Crash of a Learjet 35A in Pittsburgh: 2 killed

Date & Time: May 12, 1987 at 1057 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N100EP
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Pittsburgh - Teterboro
MSN:
35-150
YOM:
1978
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
10211
Captain / Total hours on type:
3838.00
Aircraft flight hours:
4203
Circumstances:
The copilot (dual student) was to get a prof check on the 1st leg of the flight with a simulated single engine power loss on takeoff. According to witnesses, the takeoff was normal until lift off approximately 3,200 feet down the runway; but after lift-off, the aircraft climbed only about 50 feet and didn't seem to accelerate. They reported the nose pitched up and the aircraft went in a steep bank attitude near the departure end of the runway. Subsequently, it descended and crashed in wooded terrain in a right wing down, nose high attitude. A bystander tried to get in the aircraft to rescue the pilots, but the door was jammed and he was unable to break the cabin windows. A fire erupted and engulfed the aircraft. Due to rough terrain, there was a delay in getting fire fighting equipment to the accident site. No preimpact mechanical failures were found. The gear, flaps and spoilers were found in the retracted position. For takeoff, the flaps should have been extended to the 8° or 20° position. The stall speeds for 20°, 8° and no flaps were 104.5, 109.0 and 119.5 knots, respectively. The captain was an FAA designated flight examiner and a certified flight instructor (cfi).
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. Emergency procedure - simulated - pilot in command (cfi)
2. (c) raising of flaps - premature - copilot/second pilot
3. (c) airspeed - inadequate
4. (c) stall - inadvertent
5. (c) supervision - inadequate - pilot in command (cfi)
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: takeoff
Final Report:

Crash of a Learjet 35 off San Clemente Island: 2 killed

Date & Time: Mar 5, 1986
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N39DM
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
35-040
YOM:
1975
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
The crew was engaged in a military exercise consisting of an aerial attack of a US Navy vessel. In unknown circumstances, the aircraft collided with a second Flight International Learjet 24D registered N97DM. Both aircraft crashed in the sea about 27 miles southeast of San Clemente Island and all four crew members were killed.
Probable cause:
In-flight collision for unknown reasons.

Crash of a Learjet 35A in College Station: 2 killed

Date & Time: Dec 12, 1985 at 1921 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N723GL
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
College Station - Houston
MSN:
35-107
YOM:
1977
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
20500
Captain / Total hours on type:
4000.00
Aircraft flight hours:
8963
Circumstances:
The aircraft rolled to the right and crashed after a catastrophic (uncontained) failure of the right engine during takeoff for a night flight. The right engine fan rotor disc separated from the hub which damaged the cowling and some disc fragments buried in the fuselage but without damage to the flight controls. The drag created by the loss of thrust and the distorted cowling led to yaw and roll with loss of control of the aircraft. The fan failure propagated from a low grade fatigue crack on the high time fan which was not detected by the visual inspection procedures existing at the time. The manufacturer has since improved the manufacturing and inspection techniques. An AD 86-04-02 was issued on 2/14/86 which deals with fan removal from service according to an operating cycle schedule.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (total) - mech failure/malf
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) compressor assembly, forward fan - fatigue
2. (c) compressor assembly, forward fan - failure, total
3. (c) compressor assembly, forward fan - separation
4. (f) insufficient standards/requirements - manufacturer
----------
Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
5. Directional control - not possible - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Learjet 35A in Rochester: 3 killed

Date & Time: Dec 8, 1985 at 1339 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N15TW
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Minneapolis - Rochester
MSN:
35-106
YOM:
1977
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
4986
Circumstances:
The aircraft had just successfully completed a series of practice approaches to a full stop. The training flight was being conducted to give refresher training to the pilot who had not flown a Lear Jet in over a year and had never flown a lear model 35. The flight instructor requested a practice approach with a missed approach and was cleared for the option. Witnesses stated that the aircraft rolled right and then rolled left to an inverted position. Colliding with the ground shortly thereafter. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: go-around (vfr)
Findings
1. (c) directional control - not corrected - pilot in command (cfi)
2. (f) overconfidence in personal ability - pilot in command (cfi)
3. (c) remedial action - not performed - pilot in command (cfi)
4. (f) lack of recent experience in type of aircraft - dual student
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Learjet 35A in Auburn: 1 killed

Date & Time: Sep 22, 1985 at 1236 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N873LP
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Destin - Auburn
MSN:
35-104
YOM:
1977
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total flying hours:
8000
Captain / Total hours on type:
1100.00
Aircraft flight hours:
4171
Circumstances:
During arrival, the aircrew of a Gates Learjet 35A, N873LP, canceled their IFR clearance and contacted the Auburn unicom, then entered the traffic pattern to land on runway 18. The unicom operator reported that the Learjet crew had reported their position on each portion of the traffic pattern. At approximately the same time, the pilot of an unregistered, experimental, Challenger II was in the traffic pattern for runway 10. The two runways intersected at their approach ends. Just before landing, the two aircraft collided as they were crossing over the intersection and crashed on the airport. The challenger (a two place version of an ultralight vehicle) was not equipped with a radio and the unicom operator was unaware of its presence in the traffic pattern. The Learjet pilot stated that neither he nor his copilot had seen any other traffic at the airport. No indication was found that either crew had taken evasive action. An exam of the crash site revealed evidence that the collision had occurred approximately 50 feet above the intersection. A pilot on board the Learjet was killed while six other occupants were injured. The pilot of the Challenger II was also killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: midair collision
Phase of operation: approach - vfr pattern - final approach
Findings
1. Control tower - unavailable
2. Radio communications - not possible - pilot of other aircraft
3. (c) visual lookout - inadequate - pilot in command
4. (c) visual lookout - inadequate - pilot of other aircraft
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled
Final Report:

Crash of a Learjet 35 in Waco: 3 killed

Date & Time: Dec 20, 1984 at 1638 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N95TC
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Waco - Dallas
MSN:
35-020
YOM:
1975
Location:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total flying hours:
2454
Captain / Total hours on type:
387.00
Aircraft flight hours:
5276
Circumstances:
No evidence of preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction was noted during wreckage examination. The FAA operations inspector who was on board at the time of the accident stated there were no aircraft problems involved. The pic, who was in the process of taking her type rating checkride in the aircraft, failed to maintain directional control during a simulated engine failure after reaching V1 speed during the takeoff run. The total flight experience for the pic was 2,454 hours, most of which was acquired in multi-engine aircraft, with 387 hours being in the make and model aircraft involved in the accident. All listed experience in this make and model was obtained as second-in-command. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (f) emergency procedure - simulated - check pilot
2. (c) procedures/directives - not followed - pilot in command
3. (c) directional control - not maintained - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: dragged wing, rotor, pod, float or tail/skid
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
4. (f) emergency procedure - simulated - check pilot
5. (c) rotation - excessive - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Final Report:

Crash of a Learjet 35A off Ushuaia: 12 killed

Date & Time: May 15, 1984 at 1700 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
LV-TDF
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Buenos Aires – Río Grande – Ushuaia
MSN:
35-478
YOM:
1982
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
10
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
12
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft departed Buenos Aires-Aeroparque-Jorge Newbery Airport on a flight to Ushuaia with an intermediate stop in Río Grande, carrying two pilots and 10 passengers, among them the Governor of the Province of Tierra del Fuego. Following a stop at Río Grande Airport where two passengers disembarked and two others boarded, the aircraft took off at 1638LT on the last leg to Ushuaia. On approach to Ushuaia Airport, the crew encountered limited visibility due to snow falls. On final in IMC conditions, the captain decided to continue under VFR mode but failed to realize his altitude was too low when the airplane struck the water surface and crashed in the Beagle Canal, about 9 km east of the airport. The aircraft sank and all 12 occupants were killed.
Crew:
Mario Marconcini, pilot,
Rodolfo Pourrain, copilot.
Passengers:
Ramón Alberto Trejo Noel, Governor of the Province of Tierra del Fuego,
Mrs Ofelia Olga Lisa, Mr. Noel spouse,
Dr. Ernesto Julio Löffler,
Roberto Luis Campanella, Minister of Public Health and Social Action,
Fernando Diego García, Minister of Economy,
Ricardo Luis Sica, Private secretary of the Governor,
Guillermo Marcilese, General Secretary,
Carlos Alberto Lisa, Assessor,
Nora Ormiston, Assessor,
Pedro Alberto Altuna.
Probable cause:
It is believed that the pilot-in-command may suffered an optical illusion on final approach and continued the descent below MDA in marginal weather conditions until impact with water.

Crash of a Learjet 35A off Kuala Selangor: 6 killed

Date & Time: Feb 13, 1983 at 2100 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N482U
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Kuala Lumpur - Colombo
MSN:
35-482
YOM:
1982
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Circumstances:
The twin engine airplane departed Kuala Lumpur-Subang Airport at 2141LT bound for Colombo, Sri Lanka. While flying at an altitude of 27,000 feet, the crew was cleared to climb to FL390 when the airplane entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in the Malacca Strait, about 20 km off Kuala Selangor. SAR operations were initiated and a survey kit was found six days later. The main wreckage as well as bodies or debris were not found.
Crew:
Noel Anandappa, pilot,
Sydney Soysa, copilot,
S. Senenakye, steward.
Passenger:
Upali Wijewardene,
S. M. Ratnam,
Ananda Peli Muhandiram.
Probable cause:
Due to lack of evidences as the wreckage was not found, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined.

Crash of a Learjet 35 in Paris

Date & Time: Dec 6, 1982 at 1200 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
HB-VFO
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Paris - Geneva
MSN:
35-184
YOM:
1978
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
During the takeoff roll at Paris-Le Bourget Airport, at V1 speed, the airplane collided with a flock of seagulls. The crew immediately abandoned the takeoff maneuver and initiated an emergency braking procedure. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the aircraft overran, struck a perimeter fence and came to rest 56 meters past the runway end. All four occupants escaped with minor injuries and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the bird strike occurred at V1 speed. The decision of the crew to abandon the takeoff maneuver was correct but the airspeed was too high to expect the aircraft to stop within the remaining distance. The engines were not damaged as no birds were ingested but the aircraft suffered excessive structural damages and was considered as damaged beyond repair. The crew reaction was adequate despite the fact that they failed to follow certain procedures related to an emergency takeoff interruption, the tail parachute not having been deployed and the emergency brakes not having been activated.

Crash of a Learjet 35A off Pebble Island: 5 killed

Date & Time: Jun 7, 1982 at 0913 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
T-24
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Comodoro Rivadavia - Comodoro Rivadavia
MSN:
35-333
YOM:
1980
Flight number:
Nardo 1
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Circumstances:
The airplane departed Comodoro Rivadavia Airport at 0800LT with a second Learjet 35A registered LV-ONN on a reconnaissance (aerial photography) mission under callsign Nardo 1. While approaching Pebble Island, the aircraft was shot down by a surface-to-air Sea Dart missile fired by HMS Exeter. The airplane entered a dive and crashed into the sea. All five crew members were killed.
Probable cause:
Shot down by a surface-to-air missile.