NTSB: ADS-B Shows Unstabilized Approach for Learjet in El Cajon Accident

Both pilots and two flight nurses on board were killed when the aircraft came down just east of the airport.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 02:19 PM ET

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Key Takeaways:

A Learjet involved in a fatal December accident at Gillespie Field (KSEE) was on an unstabilized approach while attempting a circle-to-land maneuver, killing both pilots and two flight nurses onboard.
The pilot requested to change from Runway 17 to the longer Runway 27, canceling IFR to execute a VFR circle-to-land, and expressed difficulty seeing the airport lights.
During the circle-to-land, the aircraft's altitude fluctuated significantly, with the final radio transmission from the pilot indicating distress before the Learjet struck power lines and crashed approximately 1.4 miles east of the airport.

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The Learjet involved in a fatal accident in December at Gillespie Field (KSEE) in El Cajon, California, was in an unstabilized approach as the pilot attempted to circle for landing, according to the preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Both pilots and two flight nurses on board were killed when the aircraft came down approximately 1.4 miles east of the airport.