What happened
During a scheduled military training operation, an aircraft was performing simulated aerial attacks against a US Navy vessel. During this maneuver, the aircraft collided with another Learjet 24D, identified by registration N97DM.
The impact occurred over the ocean, approximately 27 miles southeast of San Clemente Island. Following the collision, both aircraft went down in the sea. The accident resulted in four fatalities, as all crew members on board were killed in the crash.
Findings
- The incident took place while the aircraft were participating in a military exercise.
- An in-flight collision between the two aircraft was the primary event leading to the crash.