What happened
On November 23, 2019, an Air Tractor AT-802A was performing a ferry flight from Chacalluta Aerodrome (SCAR) in Arica to Victoria Aerodrome (SCTO) in the La Araucanía Region. While cruising at 17,000 feet (FL 170), the aircraft's engine suffered a complete loss of power.
The pilot attempted to restart the engine in flight but was unsuccessful. During these restart attempts, the engine experienced an over-temperature condition. To facilitate a safer landing, the pilot turned the aircraft north and emptied the fuel from the hopper to reduce the aircraft's weight. The pilot subsequently performed an emergency landing in a desert area approximately 55 nautical miles south of Arica. The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured, though the aircraft sustained damage to the engine.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the aircraft and the landing site, which consisted of flat terrain with loose sand. The investigation focused on the engine, the propeller, and the fuel system.
Physical inspections of the engine revealed that the propeller was in a feathered and locked position. Investigators found significant metal particles within the engine'-s metal detector. Furthermore, the engine's exhaust nozzles showed evidence of overheating and deformation caused by internal components impacting the exhaust paths. The investigation also confirmed that the fuel system, including filters and tanks, was in good condition, and fuel samples taken from both the aircraft and the refueling truck in Arica met all required specifications. Maintenance records indicated that the aircraft was compliant with the manufacturer's inspection programs and all applicable airworthiness directives.
Findings
- The engine suffered an internal failure in the hot section, which led to the total loss of power during flight.
- The engine's hot section components experienced overheating and physical damage, with fragments of the turbine found in the exhaust nozzles.
- The engine failure prevented any successful in-flight restart attempts.
- The pilot's decision to jettison fuel from the hopper helped ensure a controlled emergency landing.
- The aircraft's maintenance status and airworthiness documentation were fully compliant with regulations.