On November 13, 1981, a Learjet 55 Longhorn (registration N57TA) operated by Gates Learjet Aircraft Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Waterkloof AFB, South Africa in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft entered an unrecoverable dive following a loss of control during a barrel roll maneuver. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A two-person crew was killed when an aircraft entered an uncontrolled dive during a barrel roll maneuver during a local demonstration flight.
What happened
During a local flight intended to demonstrate the capabilities of the aircraft to prospective clients, a fatal accident occurred near an airbase. The flight was being conducted by a crew of two. Shortly after departing, the aircraft reached an altitude of 690 feet while maintaining a speed of 155 knots.
At this stage of the flight, the crew attempted to perform a barrel roll maneuver. During the execution of this maneuver, the pilots lost control of the aircraft type. This loss of control resulted in the plane pitching into a steep dive toward the terrain. The impact with the ground occurred in the vicinity of the airbase, resulting in two fatalities.
Findings
The accident took place during an aerial demonstration for potential customers.
The sequence of events began during the execution of a high-performance maneuver.
Loss of control during the barrel roll led to the subsequent impact with the ground.
Probable cause
The aircraft entered an unrecoverable dive following a loss of control during a barrel roll maneuver.