Authorities search for missing singer in Mexico after plane crash

I only ask because I am curious. I would imagine the 25 would have a similar pressurization system as the early 35's do.
 
Found this while cruising around for news, My condolences to the families and friends of those on board the private jet that day.

Source : http://www.flyingmag.com/technique/...lots-age-raise-suspicion-rivera-learjet-crash

The 1969 Learjet 25 that crashed in the early morning of December 9, killing singer Jenni Rivera and six others, was owned by Las Vegas-based Starwood Management LLC. But the company said the fatal flight was not a charter. Rather, it was described as a final demonstration flight in anticipation of Rivera purchasing the jet for $250,000.

At the controls were 78-year-old Miguel Perez Soto, PIC, and a “green” copilot, Alejandro Torres. Investigators are focusing on the separate possibilities of mechanical failure and pilot incapacitation. Reports say 10 minutes into the flight from Monterrey, Mexico, to Toluca, the twinjet descended from 28,000 feet to the ground in 30 seconds, traveling only 1.5 miles laterally from the start of the descent to the point of impact.

Of deep interest is the background of Starwood and one of its principles. In a telephone interview with The Los Angeles Times, Starwood operations manager Christian Esquino Nunez said, “Obviously, my past – there is a story to it. It’s unavoidable that they are going to look at my past … I think it’s fair to bring it up right now and question it.”

Esquino referred to his decades-long record of bankruptcies, restraining orders, civil judgments, a drug trafficking conviction and criminal charges for falsifying logbooks and other records involved in aircraft sales. He spent two years in a U.S. federal prison after a 2005 conviction on the aviation-related charges. Starwood lists Esquino’s sister-in-law Norma Gonzalez as its only corporate officer, but Esquino, told the newspaper, “I’m the one with the expertise.”
Starwood was formed in 2007 shortly after Esquino was released from prison and deported. San Diego attorney Joseph Milchen, who has represented Esquino over the years described him as, “ … a very likable person.”
Click to expand...
 
Doing my back-of-the-envelope math, covering 28,000 feet in 30 seconds results in an average speed of 625 mph. Assuming they initiated the descent from level flight - 0 VS - is it possible for this type of aircrat to have done that without structural failure prior to impact? Has such a similar rapid descent been documented in other accidents?
 
tomokc said:
Doing my back-of-the-envelope math, covering 28,000 feet in 30 seconds results in an average speed of 625 mph. Assuming they initiated the descent from level flight - 0 VS - is it possible for this type of aircrat to have done that without structural failure prior to impact? Has such a similar rapid descent been documented in other accidents?
Click to expand...
Disabled/inoperative Mach trim and overspeed warning systems?
 
That would involve the failure of several systems that are stand alone or redundant. The aircraft won't let you overspeed, so the overspeed and Mach trims would have to be disabled which is possible by Turing off the stalls. Incapacitation would involve a multitude of failures. The cabin altitude warning, manual mode fail, emergency pressure fail and the valves failing to operate. Oh and the backup oxygen system too.
 
Inverted said:
Why does he think it was the pressurization?
Click to expand...

Inverted- amazingly I happened to played golf today with a pilot of 35 yrs and has >3k hours in the 25. My instructor is still on a trip and not available yet, but this guy has far more time and understanding of the 25. I asked him his opinion of the Mexican 25 crash, he is Venezuelan and new of the crash. Pressurization was his first word. He claims with the older models the switch is either; On, Middle, or Off, and it can be in the wrong position by mistake rather easily. Mind you if fly a 172, he said if its on and goes to middle it stays pressurized, if it's off to begin with and goes to middle it's Off, if it's middle and goes either way its not pressurized. I paid pretty strong attention even drinking a few beers but I'm sure it's accurate from his opinion.

I hope this helps people that are typed and fly this aircraft. Don't overlook the simple things.
 
I don't have any experience or knowledge of the pressurization system on the 25. But I am shocked it would be crude enough to not have any protection or alert system.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top