NTSB Issues Urgent Safety Recommendations After Fatal Hawker Stall Test Accidents

Report cites deficiencies in pilot training and post-maintenance procedures for the jets.

Meg Godlewski

Thursday, January 08, 2026 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

A 2008 Hawker 900XP [Credit: FLYING Archive]

Key Takeaways:

The NTSB issued urgent safety recommendations for Hawker 800 and 900XP series jets following fatal accidents during post-maintenance stall test flights, where pilots encountered unexpected and severe stall behavior.
Investigations revealed deficiencies in the information and training provided to aircraft owners, operators, and pilots, leaving flight crews unprepared to safely address "unacceptable stall characteristics" during these manufacturer-required test flights.
The recommendations urge Textron Aviation to define pilot qualifications, develop detailed stall test plans, and revise manuals to include descriptions of adverse stall behavior, recovery procedures, and the impact of wing surface anomalies, with the FAA and NBAA tasked to ensure implementation and broad communication.

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Fatal accidents involving Hawker 800 and 900XP jets have prompted the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to issue emergency recommendations for post-maintenance stall tests.

According to the 20-page report, the agency found deficiencies in the information provided to aircraft owners, operators, and pilots relating to training and procedures required to safely conduct post-maintenance stall test flights of Hawker aircraft, including the 700, 800, 800XP, 850XP, and 900XP.