Lear 25 Landed, Departed Runway, Burned

"We’re going to look at every piece, that component, that switch, that actuator. It’s very thorough. We will not leave any open doors."

That word from NTSB investigator Hector Casanova on the destruction of a Lear 25 jet in Del Rio (TX) Friday. One crewmember was killed, the other critically hurt.

The Del Rio News-Hearld quotes witnesses who say the Lear 25 actually touched down on the runway at Del Rio International Friday night. Casanova says investigators found more than 1000 feet worth of skidmarks on the runway. The aircraft shot off the south end of the runway, crossed a major boulevard and wound up in a cemetery. The wreckage was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived at the cemetery.

Stacy Muth, vice president of operations for Ameristar Jet Charter Inc., the company that owned and operated the Learjet, said Saturday, “This is a time of incredible concern for us, and sadness for the captain and for the captain’s and first officer’s family.”

So far, Casanova said, the investigation shows emergency responders did a great job. “The security provided by the sheriff’s office and the response from the fire department were above the best. The cooperation of law enforcement agencies is invaluable. They did an outstanding job.”

FMI: www.ntsb.gov