Although it will still be many months before the NTSB is ready to determine a probable cause in the May 15, 2017 loss of control accident of a Learjet 35A during a circling approach to Teterboro Airport (TEB), the Board’s investigation docket opened last week revealed a number of concerns about the two pilots aboard the jet, both of who died in the accident. There were no passengers on board.
Teterboro Learjet Crash Raises Questions about Crew Qualifications
Key Takeaways:
- The Learjet 35A accident involved pilots with significant training deficiencies, including a First Officer flying against company policy and a Captain who had failed multiple checkrides and pushed the unprepared SIC.
- The crew poorly executed a circling approach at Teterboro in gusty winds, disregarding ATC instructions and initiating a dangerously late and steep turn, leading to confusion over flight controls.
- The final minutes were marked by escalating confusion, stall warnings, and a lack of effective crew coordination, with both pilots having undisclosed histories of professional and legal infractions.
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