Search Suspended for Survivors of Downed Learjet | Aviation International News

Search Suspended for Survivors of Downed Learjet

Search-and-rescue operations were suspended for three occupants of a Bombardier Learjet 36A that crashed into the sea off the California coast.

By Gordon Gilbert • Contributor - Accidents and Regulations

May 11, 2023

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for three occupants of a Bombardier Learjet 36A that declared an emergency before it crashed yesterday morning into the sea about a mile southwest of San Clemente Island, some 65 miles southwest of San Diego. This marks the third fatal mishap of a U.S.-registered business jet year-to-date.

The twinjet had taken off from Point Mugu Naval Air Station and was being operated as a public-use aircraft by Phoenix Air under a U.S. Navy contract. After receiving word of the crash, at about 8 a.m. PT, another Phoenix Air Learjet in the area immediately began searching for possible survivors; its crew located a debris field one mile southwest of San Clemente Island.

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