Crash of a Learjet 25 in Vickery: 3 killed
Date & Time:
Oct 20, 1978 at 1033 LT
Registration:
N100MK
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Cleveland - Cleveland
MSN:
25-019
YOM:
1968
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total hours on type:
150.00
Circumstances:
The aircraft departed Cleveland-Hopkins Airport in the early morning for a training mission consisting of a perfection course for one of the pilot. While cruising at an altitude of 16,500 feet, the airplane went out of control and nosed down to an angle of 60°. It partially disintegrated in the air and eventually crashed in an open field located near Vickery. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all three crew members were killed.
Probable cause:
Airframe failure in flight following poor/inadequate design. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Systems - autopilot: servo,
- Material failure,
- Abrupt nose down pitch.
- Systems - autopilot: servo,
- Material failure,
- Abrupt nose down pitch.
Final Report:
