FAA Rejects Mandatory Learjet Inspection After Fatal Scottsdale Crash
Key Points
- 1The NTSB urged the FAA to issue an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for mandatory inspections of certain Learjet landing gear after a fatal crash.
- 2The FAA rejected the NTSB's request in July 2025, opting instead for a non-mandatory bulletin, despite the manufacturer, Bombardier, supporting the AD.
- 3Only 12% of the 1,883 affected Learjet aircraft have received the one-time inspection, prompting NTSB criticism of the FAA's decision.
- 4The fatal February 2025 crash of the Learjet 35A at Scottsdale Airport was caused by an improperly installed landing gear retaining bolt, a misassembly linked to three prior incidents.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has strongly criticized the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for rejecting a safety mandate. The NTSB requested a mandatory inspection for certain Learjet aircraft. This request followed the investigation of a fatal crash at Scottsdale Airport (SDL) nearly a year ago. The accident involved a fatal Learjet 35A crash on February 10, 2025.
Investigation Uncovers Maintenance Failure
The NTSB investigation found the Learjet 35A's left main landing gear separated upon touchdown. This caused the aircraft to veer off the runway. It ultimately crashed into a parked Gulfstream G200. The pilot, 78-year-old Joie Vitosky, was killed. Several other people were injured in the collision.
Investigators determined the cause was improperly installed landing gear. A retaining bolt was not fully inserted into a casting. It failed to engage the aft trunnion pin retaining bolt. This critical misassembly is difficult to detect during routine checks.
The NTSB's follow-up report, issued on October 29, 2025, detailed the findings. The report noted that the same aircraft had a previous hard-landing mishap. This occurred in McAlester, Oklahoma, on June 20, 2024. The NTSB was not notified of this earlier incident.
History of Landing Gear Misassembly
This was not the first time this type of landing gear had failed. The NTSB cited three prior similar incidents. These occurred in 1995, 2001, and 2008. These previous events did not result in death or injury. The repeated failures highlight a longstanding aviation safety risk.
FAA Rejects Learjet Safety Mandate
The NTSB concluded its report by requesting the FAA issue an airworthiness directive (AD). An AD would require mandatory aircraft inspections for all affected Learjet models. This covers 10 models and approximately 1,883 aircraft in service. The inspection would confirm the landing gear was correctly attached. The NTSB recommended the check be completed within 25 flight cycles.
However, the FAA's Corrective Action Review Board decided against a mandate in July 2025. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated the agency issued a bulletin instead. This bulletin only recommends that operators inspect the landing gears. The FAA's decision means compliance is voluntary.
NTSB Criticizes Voluntary Compliance
The NTSB strongly criticized the FAA's choice. The agency called the decision "particularly difficult to justify." They noted the inspection takes only an estimated two hours per airplane. Furthermore, Bombardier, the aircraft manufacturer, urged the FAA to mandate compliance.
According to the NTSB, only 12% of the affected fleet had been inspected voluntarily. The low compliance rate underscores the NTSB's concern. Without a mandatory AD, the risk remains for similar accidents. The NTSB believes the FAA's decision is "incommensurate with the longstanding aviation safety risk."
Industry Impact and Future Action
The NTSB also recommended updating Learjet maintenance manuals. The goal is to highlight proper installation examples. This would help mechanics ensure correct part positioning. The FAA responded that Learjet already made temporary revisions. These revisions address the maintenance manual recommendation. Aviation stakeholders, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), monitor such regulatory disagreements. They watch for impacts on global aviation safety guidance. The incident highlights the critical need for robust maintenance verification procedures across the industry. For more commercial aviation news and regulatory updates, visit https://flying.flights.
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