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:
- The May 2017 Learjet 35A accident at Teterboro involved a First Officer (SIC) piloting the aircraft against company policy and his experience rating, amidst challenging gusty winds and a dangerously late, steep circling maneuver.
- The cockpit voice recorder revealed significant confusion, poor coordination, and the SIC's overwhelmed state during the approach, with the Captain acknowledging control transfer only seconds before the aircraft stalled and crashed.
- Both the Captain and SIC had histories of struggling with flight training, including multiple failed checkrides, and failed to report significant past legal issues or license suspensions on medical applications.
- The Captain had been found not proficient in circling approaches just months prior to the accident, while the SIC was rated SIC-0, which prohibited him from flying duties, and had a history of weak performance at previous jobs.
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