What happened
On April 5, 2000, a Learjet was conducting a training flight intended to allow the left-seat pilot to retake a type rating check ride. The flight was delayed by approximately ninety minutes from its scheduled 0800 departure. As the aircraft approached the airport, the pilot canceled the IFR flight plan after passing the VOR, reporting that the airfield was in sight. The final communication with Air Traffic Control occurred at 0935:16.
During the landing sequence for runway 36, observers noted the aircraft entering right traffic at a low altitude. As the plane transitioned from the base leg to the final approach, less than half a mile from the runway threshold, the aircraft exhibited a nose-high pitch and a drop in the right wing. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees west of the runway and power lines, resulting in a post-impact fire before striking a paved road. There were no reported mechanical discrepancies found in the engines or airframe following an examination.
Findings
Investigation into the pilot's recent history revealed that the flight was the first training session since a failed check ride on March 24, 2000. That previous failure occurred because the pilot allowed the airspeed to drop below the required approach speed during a simulated engine failure. Records indicated that no intermediate training or flight activity had taken place between the failed check ride and this accident flight. The flight was being conducted with a company check airman occupying the right seat.