June 2, 2006, Groton, Conn. / Gates Learjet 35A

The airplane was destroyed and the two Airline Transport pilots aboard were killed when the business jet impacted water and light stanchions at about 1440 Eastern time while on approach to landing. Three passengers survived with minor injuries. Instrument conditions prevailed for the Part 135 charter. According to one of the passengers, as the flight neared its destination, the passenger looked out his window and saw sailboats about 300 feet below. The airplane continued its descent, until the passenger felt it power up, followed by an impact. Reported weather some 15 minutes after the accident included two statute miles visibility in mist and a broken cloud layer at 100 feet.