Follow-Up Analysis Continues on El Cajon Accident

Pilot's decisions scrutinized in the loss of a Learjet 35 last week in California.

Meg Godlewski

Friday, January 07, 2022 at 12:27 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A fatal Learjet crash at Gillespie Field killed all four occupants (two pilots, two flight nurses) while attempting a circle-to-land maneuver at night.
The NTSB investigation is focusing on the flight crew's decisions, specifically their choice to cancel IFR and attempt a circle-to-land to Runway 27R, which was unauthorized at night under IFR, likely due to a desire for a longer runway in wet, misty conditions.
Pilots reportedly struggled with visibility during the approach, and the aircraft crashed during a turn, leading to speculation of lost situational awareness, misidentification of street lights for the runway, or an aerodynamic stall.

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The investigation into the December 28 fatal accident involving a Learjet at Gillespie Field (KSEE) in El Cajon, California, is focusing on the decisions made by the flight crew.

All four people on board the aircraft were killed during the approach gone bad. The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office has identified them as pilots Douglas James Grande, 45, and Julian Jorge Bugaj, 67, and flight nurses Laurie Gentz, 68, and Tina Ward, 52.