The Aircrew Of FENIX01 Radioed That They Detected An Odor In The Cabin

Location: San Clemente Island, CA Accident Number: WPR23FA185
Date & Time: May 10, 2023, 07:49 Local Registration: N56PA
Aircraft: Gates Lear Jet 36A Injuries: 3 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Other work use

On May 10, 2023, at 0749 Pacific daylight time, a Gates Lear Jet 36A, N56PA, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near San Clemente Island, California. Both pilots and the additional crewmember are presumed fatally injured. The airplane was operating as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, other work use flight.

The airplane departed Point Magu Naval Air Station (KNTD), Oxnard, California, at 0723 as the lead airplane in formation with a second Lear Jet airplane utilizing the callsigns FENIX01 (N56PA) and FENIX02 (N544PA). The flight proceeded south towards San Clemente Island with the FENIX02 flying in close formation with FENIX01. The purpose of the flight was to participate in training exercises with the United States Navy in Warning Area 291 (W291). There were three civilian crewmembers onboard each airplane. Shortly after entering W291, at 15,000 ft mean sea level (MSL), the aircrew of FENIX02 observed the lead airplane’s flaps partially deploy. They notified the lead airplane, who acknowledged the radio call. The aircrew of FENIX02 then observed the flaps retract. Seconds later, the aircrew of FENIX01 radioed that they detected an odor in the cabin. The aircrew of FENIX02 then radioed that observed white or gray colored “smoke or gas” coming from the “left side AFT Cabin area.” Unidentified fluid was also observed trailing the airplane. At this point the lead airplane was not maintaining heading or altitude.

FENIX02 then observed flames coming from around the aft equipment door and told the aircrew of FENIX01 that they were on fire and to declare an emergency. The aircrew of FENIX01 declared an emergency and their intentions to land at San Clemente Island Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NUC). FENIX02 then took over as lead for the formation flight and maneuvered in front of FENIX01 to lead them to the airfield. FENIX02 last observed and heard radio transmissions from FENIX01 as they descended through about 9,000 feet.

Recorded Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data showed only the lead airplane’s track until after the accident occurred, and FENIX02 turned their transponder on. The data showed that FENIX01 proceeded on about a 165° heading until about 30 miles south of NUC, where the airplane began a left turn. FENIX01 subsequently made a series of descending turns before the data ended. The last recorded data point showed the airplane at 1,338 ft and heading northwest about ½ mile off the southwest side of San Clemente Island.

The airplane wreckage was located about 4 miles northwest of the last recorded ADS-B data point and one mile offshore in about 300 ft of water. A visual inspection of the wreckage was conducted using a remotely operated vehicle. The wreckage was highly fragmented and evidence of a preimpact fire was visible on portions of the wreckage.

FMI:

NTSB Prelim: Gates Lear Jet 36A

The Aircrew Of FENIX01 Radioed That They Detected An Odor In The Cabin

Location: San Clemente Island, CA Accident Number: WPR23FA185
Date & Time: May 10, 2023, 07:49 Local Registration: N56PA
Aircraft: Gates Lear Jet 36A Injuries: 3 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Other work use

On May 10, 2023, at 0749 Pacific daylight time, a Gates Lear Jet 36A, N56PA, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near San Clemente Island, California. Both pilots and the additional crewmember are presumed fatally injured. The airplane was operating as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, other work use flight.

The airplane departed Point Magu Naval Air Station (KNTD), Oxnard, California, at 0723 as the lead airplane in formation with a second Lear Jet airplane utilizing the callsigns FENIX01 (N56PA) and FENIX02 (N544PA). The flight proceeded south towards San Clemente Island with the FENIX02 flying in close formation with FENIX01. The purpose of the flight was to participate in training exercises with the United States Navy in Warning Area 291 (W291). There were three civilian crewmembers onboard each airplane. Shortly after entering W291, at 15,000 ft mean sea level (MSL), the aircrew of FENIX02 observed the lead airplane’s flaps partially deploy. They notified the lead airplane, who acknowledged the radio call. The aircrew of FENIX02 then observed the flaps retract. Seconds later, the aircrew of FENIX01 radioed that they detected an odor in the cabin. The aircrew of FENIX02 then radioed that observed white or gray colored “smoke or gas” coming from the “left side AFT Cabin area.” Unidentified fluid was also observed trailing the airplane. At this point the lead airplane was not maintaining heading or altitude.

FENIX02 then observed flames coming from around the aft equipment door and told the aircrew of FENIX01 that they were on fire and to declare an emergency. The aircrew of FENIX01 declared an emergency and their intentions to land at San Clemente Island Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NUC). FENIX02 then took over as lead for the formation flight and maneuvered in front of FENIX01 to lead them to the airfield. FENIX02 last observed and heard radio transmissions from FENIX01 as they descended through about 9,000 feet.

Recorded Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data showed only the lead airplane’s track until after the accident occurred, and FENIX02 turned their transponder on. The data showed that FENIX01 proceeded on about a 165° heading until about 30 miles south of NUC, where the airplane began a left turn. FENIX01 subsequently made a series of descending turns before the data ended. The last recorded data point showed the airplane at 1,338 ft and heading northwest about ½ mile off the southwest side of San Clemente Island.

The airplane wreckage was located about 4 miles northwest of the last recorded ADS-B data point and one mile offshore in about 300 ft of water. A visual inspection of the wreckage was conducted using a remotely operated vehicle. The wreckage was highly fragmented and evidence of a preimpact fire was visible on portions of the wreckage.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov