KBTL Hawker 800 crash

Looks like a Hawker 800 went down after departing Battle Creek. Speculation is a post-maintenance flight check, with a full stall test. Three on board.


I watched the VASAviation video on it. It doesn't sound like a good day.
 
1. The crew is poorly coordinated.
2. Feels like a stall prevention test.
3. Everything is pointing to a rushed job. Time from last normal communication to first signs of a problem is around 10 seconds. You need to set up a stable plane, configured as required. Then reduce airspeed at a maximum of 1 knot per second while maintaining altitude and 1g. slower if there are additional concerns. So assuming 10s at 1 kt/second, they started the test only 10 kts above the assumed stall speed, which is... not professional.

Sounds to me like they rushed a stall test, stall prevention was not properly calibrated, "test" pilot failed to recognize the failure prior to loss of control.

A rush job AND poor communication/coordination without a clear plan is likely what killed these people.

A swept wing, rear engine, cruciform tail airplane has more than a few challenges with very high AOA stall recovery especially with any additional uncontrolled yaw movement.

It's best to have a certified, experienced test pilot conduct these tests, with expert knowledge to the flight envelope limits AND consequences of failure.
 
Probably same reason you still live in California

Not really apples to apples comparison.


One has a choice of airlines to apply to. When they’re on the outside, they can apply to all and see who calls. Can’t really complain about the 737 knowing that’s all they have if you’re applying to AS or SW.

A base closure forced a re-basing to California and yes we moved. Temporarily commuted and decided it wasn’t for me. So I live in base. That’s a different circumstance.
 
Not really apples to apples comparison.


One has a choice of airlines to apply to. When they’re on the outside, they can apply to all and see who calls. Can’t really complain about the 737 knowing that’s all they have if you’re applying to AS or SW.

A base closure forced a re-basing to California and yes we moved. Temporarily commuted and decided it wasn’t for me. So I live in base. That’s a different circumstance.
What are ya, the warden?
 
Probably same reason you still live in California
I’ve been 100% open and honest about why I left the most fun job I’ve ever had to grind it out flying the guppy. This is just him showing his usual reading comprehension.

The 45 is a wonderful handling airplane, though it doesn’t feel like a fighter jet like the earlier Lears, it’s also incredibly forgiving. I only know because I made a couple of mistakes as a young and inexperienced jet captain in it. The 35 even with all the latest greatest mods would happily bite you if you got slow, and it’s ref speeds were almost 737.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top