Fatal crashes have claimed the lives of flightcrews in a Bombardier Learjet 24F and Cessna Citation 525, signalling a poor start to the year for an industry already under the safety spotlight (Flight International, 9-15 January).
On 9 January, a 1977 Learjet 24F, operated by Ameristar Jet Charter and registered to Sierra American, crashed in a hilly area and caught fire near Guadalajara, Mexico, killing both pilots. The aircraft, carrying computer equipment from Laredo, Texas, was on approach to Hidalgo airport when it went down 25km (15nm) away late at night. US safety officials are assisting Mexican authorities in the accident investigation.
Three days later, on 12 January, a 1996 Citation 525 operated by Sun Quest Executive Charter crashed and burned shortly after a mid-morning take-off from Van Nuys airport on a repositioning flight to Long Beach, killing both pilots.
Witnesses reported seeing what appeared to be an open baggage door at the front of the aircraft after take-off.
Returning to the airport, the aircraft crashed 0.9km to the north in good weather. The business jet was registered to Los Angeles-based Moonchild Aviation.
Source: Flight International
