LJ24, vicinity Belleville Illinois USA, 2003
LJ24, vicinity Belleville Illinois USA, 2003
Summary
On November 12, 2003, a Bombardier Learjet 24D being operated on a non scheduled flight by Multi-Aero Inc. was destroyed during a forced landing and post crash fire following a loss of power in both engines after an encounter with a flock of birds just after take off from St. Louis Downtown Airport.
Flight Details
Aircraft
Operator
Type of Flight
Public Transport (Passenger)
Flight Origin
Intended Destination
Take-off Commenced
Yes
Flight Airborne
Yes
Flight Completed
No
Phase of Flight
Climb
Location
Location - Airport
Airport
BS
Tag(s)
Flocking Birds,
Engine Ingestion
FIRE
Tag(s)
Post Crash Fire
LOC
Tag(s)
Loss of Engine Power,
Environmental Factors,
Bird or Animal Strike
Outcome
Damage or injury
Yes
Aircraft damage
Hull loss
Non-aircraft damage
Yes
Non-occupant Casualties
No
Occupant Injuries
Few occupants
Off Airport Landing
Yes
Ditching
No
Causal Factor Group(s)
Group(s)
Aircraft Operation
Safety Recommendation(s)
Group(s)
None Made
Investigation Type
Type
Independent
Cite This Page
SKYbrary Aviation Safety. (June 2, 2023). LJ24, vicinity Belleville Illinois USA, 2003. EUROCONTROL.
Retrieved February 2, 2026
from https://skybrary.aero/accidents-and-incidents/lj24-vicinity-belleville-illinois-usa-2003
UID: 20176
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Description
On November 12, 2003, a Bombardier Learjet 24D being operated on a non scheduled flight by Multi-Aero Inc. was destroyed during a forced landing and post crash fire following a loss of power in both engines after an encounter with a flock of birds just after take off from St. Louis Downtown Airport. Subsequent circumstantial evidence suggested that a flock of European Starlings might have been present. The flight had departed in accordance with a remotely issued take off clearance prior to the local ATC TWR opening.
The flight crew reported being unable to maintain altitude or attempt engine relight with the residual thrust available and a forced landing was made in which the aircraft contacted the terrain on the downward side of a shallow sloping hill located about three miles from the departure airport. It was destroyed by the impact and a post-crash fire during which most of the cabin and tailcone were burned out. The center section of the fuel tank remained structurally intact, although damaged by impact forces. All three landing gear legs were still attached to the aircraft and found in the retracted position.
The nose of the aircraft remained intact, but the flight deck received extensive fire and heat damage. Both windshields were melted and the upper skin was consumed. The outboard section of the left wing had separated from the aircraft about 4-5 feet outboard of the fuselage The right wing remained attached to the forward fuselage section. The outboard section of the wing remained attached to the inboard wing section, but it was broken about mid-span and it was partially consumed by fire.
All onboard escaped with minor or no injuries.
The Investigation
In their Report issued in January 2006, the National Transportation Safety Board (USA) (NTSB) determined that the probable cause of the accident was “The total loss of power to the right engine and the partial loss of power to the left engine after the airplane encountered a flock of birds during initial climb out, resulting in impeded ram induction airflow”.
Related Articles
- Bird Strike
- Operators Checklist for Bird Strike Hazard Management
- Aircraft Certification for Bird Strike Risk
- Airport Bird Hazard Management
- Other Investigations into Accidents & Serious Incidents following Bird Strikes
Further Reading
- For further information see the NTSB Report CHI04FA029
