The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report of the May 15 crash of a Learjet 35A at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey looked at the strength of the surface winds during the final moments of the flight. At the time of the accident, winds were reported as 320 at 20 knots gusting to 30, a few scattered clouds at 4,500 feet and visibility of more than 10 miles. The business jet “departed controlled flight” and crashed a half mile from the runway threshold of Runway 1. The NTSB investigation final report expected sometime next year will try to determine precisely why the crew lost control of the aircraft.
Teterboro Winds Just One Likely Factor in Learjet Crash
Key Takeaways:
- The NTSB's preliminary report on the Learjet 35A crash at Teterboro Airport highlights strong surface winds (320 at 20 knots gusting to 30) during the final moments of the flight.
- The aircraft executed an ILS Runway 6, circle to land Runway 1 approach, but initiated a tight, low-altitude right turn unusually close to Runway 6.
- This maneuver, compounded by strong tailwinds during the turn, would have increased ground speed and potentially required a higher airspeed to maintain a safe margin above stall.
- Witnesses reported the aircraft banking steeply and "wobbling" before the left wing dropped, suggesting a potential loss of control, with the investigation exploring stall, mechanical, or human factors.
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