Thunderbird Airways

Learjet 25

While cruising at an altitude of 41,200 feet, the airplane entered an uncontrolled descent following an airframe failure in flight. The airplane crashed in an open field and was totally destroyed. Both pilots who were completing a ferry flight from Vernal to Houston were killed.

Lockheed 14 Super Electra

The crew was involved in a local test flight and the twin engine airplane was used for an electronic test project mission. For such program, a special authorisation was granted to use the aircraft in an overweight configuration. After liftoff, during initial climb, the airplane encountered difficulties to gain height and its speed was too low. It stalled, struck the ground and crashed in flames. All four occupants were slightly injured and the aircraft was destroyed.