Preliminary Report: Learjet loses elevator in flight

Bombardier Learjet 36, San Diego, Dec. 1, 2006–While maneuvering off the coast near San Diego, Learjet N26FN lost its right elevator. The public-use flight, with two pilots and one passenger aboard, had departed North Island Naval Air Station, San Diego. According to the NTSB, it had joined up with another airplane and the pilot lost contact with the second airplane because of sun glare. When he could see again, he found himself in a 70-degree angle of bank to the right, 50 degrees nose down. He recovered by reducing power and leveling the wings. After landing back at base, he found the right elevator was gone and the left elevator was deformed. The ATP-rated pilot, commercial pilot and passenger were not injured.