What happened
A training flight involving a Learjet 35 ended in a fatal accident following a series of successful landing practice maneuvers. The purpose of the flight was to provide refresher instruction to a pilot who had not operated this specific aircraft type for more than twelve months and lacked prior experience with the Model 35 variant.
During the session, the flight instructor requested a practice approach that included a missed approach option, which was granted by air traffic control. According to witnesses on the ground, the aircraft experienced an uncommanded roll to the right, followed by a roll to the left, which eventually placed the plane in an inverted position. The aircraft subsequently struck the terrain. There were three fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several contributing factors related to the pilot in command's actions and experience levels. Key findings include:
- A failure by the instructor to correct directional control during the maneuver.
- An absence of necessary remedial actions to recover the aircraft.
- The student pilot's lack of recent proficiency in this specific aircraft type.
- Overconfidence in personal ability by the pilot in command.