What happened
During the takeoff roll on a 5,147-foot runway, the Learjet 23 experienced a departure from controlled flight. Witnesses observed the aircraft rotate approximately 4,500 feet down the runway and lift off about 50 feet later. Following liftoff, the aircraft maintained a low altitude between 20 and 60 feet above the ground. The plane exhibited a nose-high attitude and began rocking between left and right banks. The aircraft eventually settled into a descent, striking trees and crashing roughly 200 feet beyond the runway end. All three occupants were killed in the accident.
Findings
Investigations into the crash revealed several contributing factors related to mechanical operation and weight. While a lineman noted the parking brake was set prior to the flight, examination of the braking system showed the parking brake control valve was partially engaged. Additionally, heat blueing was found on the brake torque tube. On this specific early model, the parking brake requires the pilot to depress the brake pedals to release it, a procedure not addressed in the pilot handbook.
Furthermore, the aircraft was operating approximately 430 lbs above its maximum allowable weight. Regarding crew preparation, the pilot in the left seat had training on later Learjet models, but only a biennial flight review had been documented for the model 23. The company dispatcher confirmed that no specific training for this flight was conducted, even though a passenger was on board.