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:
- Both the captain and first officer (SIC) had documented histories of training deficiencies, failed checkrides, and undisclosed regulatory non-compliance, raising serious concerns about their fitness and professionalism.
- The SIC, who was the pilot flying despite company prohibitions due to his low proficiency rating, was clearly unprepared for the challenging Teterboro approach in gusty winds, a situation exacerbated by the captain's continued direction.
- The flight was marred by critical crew resource management failures, including a minimal pre-flight briefing, persistent confusion over aircraft control, and a dangerously late and steep circling maneuver that culminated in an uncontrolled descent and stall after a belated attempt to transfer flight controls.
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