Investigation Begins into Learjet Accident Near Teterboro

A Learjet 35A on final approach to Teterboro’s Runway 1 crashed yesterday afternoon a quarter mile short of the airport. The accident occurred about 3:30 p.m. local time following a short flight from Philadelphia International Airport to New Jersey. The two pilots, the only occupants of the jet, were killed in the accident although no one on the ground was injured. The aircraft plowed through a manufacturing building and several vehicles that were engulfed in flames.

The Learjet involved in the accident, N452DA, was registered to A&C Big Sky Aviation of Billings, Montana. The aircraft was operated by Honolulu-based Trans-Pacific Jets.

Witnesses said the Learjet flipped upside down just before impact when local winds were reported to be gusting as high as 35 knots. A security camera near the scene captured video of the red-painted Learjet on its side, right wing low, seconds before impact.

According to information released by the FAA, the arrival appeared normal until the crash and that neither pilot mentioned anything on the radio to indicate the aircraft was in trouble.

All traffic in and out of Teterboro Airport was halted following the crash. The facility remained closed until nearly 8 p.m. Monday night when normal operations resumed. An NTSB team was dispatched on Monday to begin the investigation into the cause of the crash.