What happened
The incident occurred during a night flight when the pilot was conducting a final approach for a landing. While on final approach, the left engine experienced a sudden loss of power. The pilot attempted to manage the emergency but was unable to reach the runway due to the reduced thrust available.
Consequently, the pilot executed an emergency landing off-airport. During this uncontrolled descent and touchdown, the aircraft struck the top of a cyclone fence. This impact caused significant damage to the nose gear assembly. Following the initial impact, the aircraft continued to slide forward until it came to rest against a blast barrier.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the aircraft was conducted to determine the mechanical status of the powerplant. An engine run-up test was performed on the ground after the incident. Subsequently, a teardown of the engine was carried out to inspect internal components, specifically focusing on the crankshaft for any signs of failure or deficiency.
Findings
The inspection results from the teardown and run-up tests revealed no mechanical deficiencies in the engine. The crankshaft and other inspected components were found to be within normal operational limits. The loss of power during flight was not attributable to a detectable mechanical fault at the time of the post-accident examination.
Safety message
This event highlights the critical importance of maintaining adequate airspeed and energy management during night approaches, particularly when engine performance is compromised. Pilots must be prepared for immediate go-around procedures or off-airport landing site selection if power loss occurs on final approach.