NTSB Urges Enhanced Safety Protocols for Post-Maintenance Stall Tests on Hawker Aircraft

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued urgent safety recommendations directed at Textron Aviation Inc., the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). These recommendations stem from the NTSB’s investigations into two fatal accidents, which claimed five lives, both occurring during post-maintenance stall test flights of Hawker 800XP and 900XP aircraft. The accidents highlighted critical deficiencies in the available information concerning the necessary training and procedures for pilots undertaking these specific flights.

The NTSB’s findings indicate a potential for other flight crews to face similar unpreparedness if these identified issues are not addressed. The agency is particularly concerned that insufficient guidance on stall test pilot training, experience qualifications, and comprehensive stall test plans may leave pilots ill-equipped for the inherent risks. Furthermore, the existing aircraft manuals for the affected Hawker models require significant improvements in their documentation pertaining to stall procedures. The full report detailing these urgent safety recommendations is accessible on the NTSB’s investigation webpage.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

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