20011210033779A

(.19) On December 10, 2001, approximately 1821 mountain standard time (MST), a gates Learjet corp. 24D, N997TD, operating as turbodog 36, was destroyed when it impacted terrain following an uncontrolled descent near Sierra blanca, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by air cargo express inc., of fort wayne, Indiana. The airline transport captain and the commercial co-pilot sustained fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the 14 code of federal regulations part 91 positioning flight. The flight originated from the harlingen valley international airport, harlingen, Texas, at 1800 central standard time, and was destined for the el paso international airport, el paso, Texas. According to initial data from the albuquerque air route traffic control center (abq ARTCC), the flight was in cruise at flight level 390 when it was cleared to descend to 10,000 feet. While descending through approximately 22,000 feet the flight was cleared to contact el paso terminal radar approach control (elp TRACON). The flight crew acknowledged the clearance, and the airplane was then observed on radar to enter aclimb. The airplane climbed for approximately 20 seconds before entering a descent. The airplane entered the descent at 23,100 feet and descended for approximately 18 seconds before the final radar image was received. The final radar contact was 37 nautical miles from the el paso very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) navigational facility along the 103 degree radial. The flight crew did not contact elp TRACON and no distress calls were received. At 2100 MST, the airplane was located on a private ranch at 031 degrees 32.67 minutes north latitude and 105 degrees 37.331 minutes west longitude. Evidence of initial ground impact was a crater that measured 17 feet by 30 feet. The crater was excavated to a depth of 6 feet when a rock layer was met. The northeast, northwest, and southwest quadrants of the crater were excavated 6 feet until undisturbed dirt was met. The southeast quadrant of the crater was excavated 4 feet until undisturbed dirt was met. Debris comprised of soil and fragmented components of the airplane, was located in a fan distribution emanating outward from the crater to the north, and ending approximately 1/4 miles from the crater. Sections of the right horizontal stabilizer, right elevator, and outboard right wing were located south-southeast of the crater and were not within the fan distribution area. Sections of each flight control surface were identified at the accident site. (-23) a Lear jet N997TD, model 24D was enroute from harlingen, TX to el paso, TX when it apparently lost control at approx 23000 ft and impacted the ground at a very steep angle and a very high speed. The aircraft was destroyed and both occupants received fatal injuries.