What happened
On March 10, 2024, at approximately 14:52 EDT, an Israel Aircraft Industries 1125 Westwind Astra, registration N1125A, crashed near Ingalls Field Airport (HSP) in Hot Springs, Virginia. The flight, operated by SkyJet Elite under Part 91 regulations, was traveling from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to HSP. The crew and passengers were part of a non-revenue flight; the passengers were traveling to a conference, while the crew intended to continue to Teterboro Airport (TEB).
Prior to the accident, the flight crew communicated with Washington Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). At 14:32, the crew indicated they intended to use the ILS approach to runway 25, noting that their weather information was approximately one hour old. The controller cleared the aircraft to the AHLER intersection for the approach. After descending to 6,000 feet, the crew requested radar vectors but ultimately proceeded direct to the AHLER intersection.
An airport staff member monitoring the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) reported hearing two radio calls from the aircraft announcing its approach to runway 25. Shortly after these transmissions, the staff member heard the aircraft impact the terrain and observed smoke rising from the approach end of the runway.
ADS-B flight track data showed the aircraft began the ILS approach at the AHLER intersection, approximately 15 miles northeast of the airport, and descended along the final approach course. The final recorded position was approximately 200 feet from the initial impact point.
The investigation
The wreckage debris path spanned roughly 150 feet, oriented on a 250° to 255° magnetic heading. The initial impact occurred in several trees located within a down-sloping ravine approximately 300 feet from the runway threshold. The wreckage was heavily fragmented and sustained thermal damage from a post-impact fire. The right main landing gear was found approximately 315 feet forward of the fuselage, near the runway edge.
Investigators determined the aircraft configuration at impact included the landing gear down and flaps set to 40°. While extensive damage prevented establishing flight control continuity from the cockpit, continuity was observed at the partially intact flight control surfaces. Both engines were located in the debris field and showed heavy impact and thermal damage; the left engine had separated into two pieces, and both engine fan blades exhibited damage consistent with rotation.
Weather conditions at the time of the accident included visibility of 10 statute miles and winds from 270° at 21 knots, gusting to 31 knots.