What happened
During a training flight intended to prepare two pilots for upcoming FAA Part 1-35 competency and proficiency checks, an instructor-pilot and two student pilots were conducting maneuvers in a Bombardier JetStar. The flight was conducted under instrument flight rules (IFR) after a weather briefing was obtained via the DUATS system. The instructor-pilot served as the pilot-in-command for the session.
After departing, the crew proceeded to a designated practice area to perform various flight maneuvers, including steep turns and stall approaches. During the session, the first pilot was tasked with demonstrating an approach-to-landing stall. As the crew prepared for the maneuver, the landing gear was lowered and the flaps were extended. Data from the digital electronic engine control (DEEC) indicated that engine power was reduced to idle.
Flight data from the National Track Analysis Program (NTAP) shows the stall began at an altitude of 5,000 feet. Following the activation of the stick shaker, the cockpit voice recorder ceased functioning. Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft performing erratic maneuvers at a low altitude. Some observers reported the aircraft appeared to stop midair before pitching nose-down, while others described a flat spin or a descent resembling a falling leaf. The aircraft eventually struck marshy terrain in a nose-down, wings-level orientation. The wreckage examination confirmed the landing gear was down and the flaps were set to 25 degrees. While the engine compressor/turbine blades showed signs of damage, no mechanical discrepancies were identified.
Findings
- The aircraft was configured with the landing gear down and flaps at 25 degrees during the accident.
- The aircraft entered a stall at 5,000 feet altitude during a simulated landing approach.
- There were no mechanical discrepancies found in the aircraft's systems prior to the impact.