NTSB Begins Probe into Fatal Citation Accident
Two NTSB investigators are in Smyrna, Tennessee, investigating a fatal crash of a Cessna Citation I/SP that killed all seven on board. The twinjet crashed into Percy Priest Lake on Saturday morning shortly after takeoff from Runway 32 at Smyrna Airport.
After taking off at 10:50 a.m. for a planned Part 91 personal flight to Palm Beach, Florida, the aircraft started a right turn and, after reaching 2,900 feet, it descended to about 1,800 feet before climbing again to 3,000 feet. The aircraft then began a rapid descent and crashed into the lake.
Weather at the time of the accident included a 1,300-foot overcast layer of clouds. The remains of the occupants have been retrieved and both of the jet’s engines and a portion of the fuselage have been recovered.
According to FAA records, the 1982 model Citation has been registered to JL&GL Productions of Brentwood, Tennessee, since March last year. FAA records also show that no one aboard was qualified to fly the Citation. The agency’s airman database shows Joe Lara having a multi-engine commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating but no record of a current medical. Another occupant held a private pilot certificate with multi-engine and instrument ratings.
Photo Credit: New York Post
