# NTSB FTW85FA081: Gates Learjet 35, N95TC, Waco, TX, December 20, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 20, 1984, 16:38 local (22:38 UTC)
- Place: Waco, TX
- Coordinates: 31.549943, -97.140769 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.5499&lon=-97.1408&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 2 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21517
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85FA081
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21517/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85FA081

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - emergency procedure - simulated, check pilot (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, takeoff - initial climb
  - emergency procedure - simulated, check pilot (contributing factor)
  - rotation - excessive, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb

## Analysis

NO EVIDENCE OF PREIMPACT MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS NOTED DURING WRECKAGE EXAMINATION. THE FAA OPERATIONS INSPECTOR WHO WAS ON BOARD AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT STATED THERE WERE NO AIRCRAFT PROBLEMS INVOLVED. THE PIC, WHO WASIN THE PROCESS OF TAKING HER TYPE RATING CHECK RIDE IN THE AIRCRAFT, FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING A SIMULATED ENGINE FAILURE AFTER REACHING V1 SPEED DURING THE TAKEOFF RUN. THE TOTAL FLIGHT EXPERIENCE FOR THE PIC WAS 2454 HOURS, MOST OF WHICH WAS ACQUIRED IN MULTIENGINE AIRCRAFT, WITH 387 HOURS BEING IN THE MAKE AND MODEL AIRCRAFT INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT. ALL LISTED EXPERIENCE IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL WAS OBTAINED AS SECOND-IN-COMMAND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N95TC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N95TC-1988-10-06), registration cancelled 1988-10-06, S/N 020 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Gates Learjet 35
- Registry model: [Gates Lear Jet 35](https://openairdocs.org/model/gates-lear-jet-35) (registry code 5170600) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 35020
- Airframe hours: 5276
- Engines: GARRETT TFE-731-22B 3500 lbs thrust turbo jet
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Jet East Inc.
- Last inspection: AAIP, October 19, 1984, 30 hours before
- Departed: ACT, WACO, TX
- Destination: DAL, DALLAS, TX
- Airport: Madison Copper, runway 19, 6,597 × 150 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,454 total, 387 in this make and model, 62 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ACT

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19841220069379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841220069379A), Dec 20, 1984: Lear 35LEAR, Waco, TX, Destroyed. Left wing contacted runway during simulated engine failure takeoff. Aircraft cart wheeled. Type rating check ride.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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