Flight International

Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise

The twin engine aircraft was completing a liaison flight from China Lake on behalf of the US Navy, carrying seven US Navy personnels and two pilots. On final approach in good weather conditions, the aircraft struck the ground in a relative flat attitude about 800 metres short of runway 22, slid for about 200 metres and came to rest. All seven passengers were seriously injured and both crew members (Lt David W. Garnett and Aean Lorenzo Rodriguez) were killed.

Learjet 35

During the takeoff roll on runway 24 at McClellan-Palomar Airport, one of the engine failed between V1 and VR. After both wings struck the runway surface, the crew lost control of the airplane that crash near the runway end. Both pilots were slightly injured and the aircraft was written off.

Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise

The purpose of the flight was to provide airborne intercept training for the US Navy. The mission had just been completed and the accident aircraft, FNT701, and another aircraft, FNT492, were returning home when the accident occurred. Radar data showed FNT701 was at 22,700 feet when it descended slightly to 22,500 feet. FNT701 remained at this altitude for approximately 2 minutes 37 seconds, then began a descent which resulted in impact with the ocean. This final descent rate initially was about 5,000 fpm and increased to 19,000 fpm. No distress calls were made; however, two transmissions were recorded which totaled approximately 30 seconds. There was no voice communication during these transmissions, only an open mike and the sound of prop(s). During the 1st transmission, the word 'oh' could be heard. FNT492 observed FNT701 descend below the clouds and did not detect any distress signals. Little wreckage was recovered during search and rescue operations. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Learjet 35

The crew was engaged in a military exercise consisting of an aerial attack of a US Navy vessel. In unknown circumstances, the aircraft collided with a second Flight International Learjet 24D registered N97DM. Both aircraft crashed in the sea about 27 miles southeast of San Clemente Island and all four crew members were killed.

Learjet 24

The crew was engaged in a military exercise consisting of an aerial attack of a US Navy vessel. In unknown circumstances, the aircraft collided with a second Flight International Learjet 35 registered N39DM. Both aircraft crashed in the sea about 27 miles southeast of San Clemente Island and all four crew members were killed.