On October 17, 1978, a Learjet 24 (registration N123RE) operated by Martin Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster-General William J. Fox, United States of America during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Ground loop and controlled collision with ground during initial climb after the crew failed to maintain directional control while completing touch and go landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A training aircraft conducting touch-and-go landings crashed after losing directional control during initial climb, resulting in the death of the captain and serious injury to the copilot.
Accident Overview
On an early morning training flight from Santa Ana, a crew consisting of a captain and a copilot proceeded to Lancaster-General William J. Fox Airport to follow a training program. After completing several touch-and-go landings, the crew lost control of the airplane during the initial climb of a subsequent touch-and-go. The airplane swerved on the runway and eventually crashed.
Injuries and Fatalities
The copilot sustained serious injuries, while the captain was killed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a ground loop and controlled collision with the ground during initial climb after the crew failed to maintain directional control while completing a touch-and-go landing.