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 has issued urgent safety recommendations for Hawker 800 and 900XP jets following fatal accidents during manufacturer-required post-maintenance stall test flights.
Investigations found significant deficiencies in pilot training and information regarding how to safely conduct these tests and address "unacceptable stall characteristics," such as uncommanded rolls or stalls without prior warning.
The NTSB recommends Textron Aviation define pilot qualifications and detailed stall test plans, revise aircraft manuals to describe adverse stall behaviors, and inform owners/operators that these flights require specialized training beyond that of typical line pilots.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.