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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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February 14, 1991 · Learjet 35A · N535PC

Aspen, CO

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 14, 1991
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Location
Aspen, CO
Aircraft
Learjet 35A
Tail Number
N535PC
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
DEN91FA043

The flight crew reported to the tower controller that they were over the airport and requested a right downwind circling approach to runway 15. The tower controller and other witnesses observed the airplane in a steep right bank on base leg. The airplane overshot the extended runway centerline. The tower controller observed the airplane entering a steeper right bank to correct back to the runway centerline. The controller stated that he observed the airplane "flutter" and then crash right-wing first, about one mile north of the runway threshold. Other witnesses reported a variety of indications consistent with a loss of control. The last recorded transmission was "Oh no you're (stall…)." The ( ) indicates that the word was questionable text. Both engines were producing about 1,700 pounds of thrust (2,561 pounds available). A snow squall had just passed over the airport and was obscuring mountains to the east. The terrain was snow covered. The accident occurred about eight minutes before official sunset. The approach procedure is not authorized at night or for category D airplanes. Minimums for the approach were three miles visibility with an MDA of 10,840 feet. Airport elevation is 7,815 feet. Both pilots were rated in the airplane. It could not be determined which pilot was at the controls at the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight crew's failure to maintain airspeed and control of the airplane while maneuvering to land. Contributing factors were the flight crew's execution of an unstabilized approach and the surrounding snow-covered mountainous terrain.

Full Narrative

The flight crew reported to the tower controller that they were over the airport and requested a right downwind circling approach to runway 15. The tower controller and other witnesses observed the airplane in a steep right bank on base leg. The airplane overshot the extended runway centerline. The tower controller observed the airplane entering a steeper right bank to correct back to the runway centerline. The controller stated that he observed the airplane "flutter" and then crash right-wing first, about one mile north of the runway threshold. Other witnesses reported a variety of indications consistent with a loss of control. The last recorded transmission was "Oh no you're (stall…)." The ( ) indicates that the word was questionable text. Both engines were producing about 1,700 pounds of thrust (2,561 pounds available). A snow squall had just passed over the airport and was obscuring mountains to the east. The terrain was snow covered. The accident occurred about eight minutes before official sunset. The approach procedure is not authorized at night or for category D airplanes. Minimums for the approach were three miles visibility with an MDA of 10,840 feet. Airport elevation is 7,815 feet. Both pilots were rated in the airplane. It could not be determined which pilot was at the controls at the time of the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:41 MST
Nearest AirportSardy Field (1nm NNW)
Runway15
Runway Length7003 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLearjet 35A
Tail NumberN535PC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsGarrett · TFE 731-2-2B · Turbofan · 3500
Seats10

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Fatal3
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 38 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 5 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingOvercast 1000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point34 C / 25 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:44
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data