Accident
On October 21, 1965, at approximately 1935 e.s.t., a Lear Jet Model 23, registration N804LJ, operated by the Lear Jet Corporation, crashed eight miles east-northeast of Jackson, Michigan. The aircraft was destroyed by impact. The pilot and copilot were killed; there were no passengers.
Flight Details
The flight was operating under an Instrument Flight Rules flight plan from Detroit, Michigan to Wichita, Kansas, at an assigned altitude of Flight Level 250. The radar controller had radar contact at 1933 and observed the target traveling in a southwest direction. The controller noted that the aircraft started a sharp turn to the right (north). As the aircraft passed through a northerly heading, the beacon target disappeared from radar. The aircraft was traversing an area of moderate to severe turbulence when it deviated from the assigned route.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident.