3 fatalities

Training Flight Ends in Fatal Loss of Control (N15TW)

Rochester, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 8, 1985, a Learjet 35 (registration N15TW) operated by Corporate Air - USA was involved in an aviation accident near Rochester, United States of America during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control in flight during go-around (VFR) due to directional control not corrected by the pilot in command (CFI), overconfidence in personal ability, and lack of recent experience in type of aircraft; subsequent in-flight collision with terrain/water. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A Lear Jet 35 training flight crashed after rolling inverted during a go-around. The three occupants were killed. The official investigation cited the pilot's failure to maintain directional control and overconfidence, as well as the student's lack of recent experience.

Accident Summary

A training flight in a Lear Jet 35 concluded with a loss of control and collision with terrain, resulting in the deaths of all three occupants. The aircraft had just completed a series of practice approaches to a full stop.

Flight History

The flight was intended to provide refresher training to a pilot who had not flown a Lear Jet in over a year and had never flown a Lear model 35. The flight instructor requested a practice approach with a missed approach and was cleared for the option.

Witness Reports

According to witnesses, the aircraft rolled right and then rolled left to an inverted position before colliding with the ground shortly thereafter.

Probable Cause

Official findings identified two occurrences. Occurrence #1: loss of control in flight during a go-around (VFR). Findings: directional control not corrected by the pilot in command (CFI); overconfidence in personal ability by the pilot in command (CFI); remedial action not performed by the pilot in command (CFI); lack of recent experience in type of aircraft (dual student). Occurrence #2: in-flight collision with terrain/water during an uncontrolled descent.