Total power loss during approach leads to aircraft accident

Casualties unknown • Messena, NY, US

An aircraft on a ferry flight experienced total power loss while circling for an ILS approach, resulting in an off-runway landing.

What happened

A ferry flight was underway involving an aircraft equipped with additional fuel tanks installed within the cabin. During the flight, the pilot reported several technical anomalies, noting that the airspeed indicator initially showed a high reading before dropping to zero. The pilot also reported the loss of the left generator and observed that fuel gauges indicated a 100 percent increase in fuel consumption.

The pilot requested an ILS approach to a nearby airport. While the aircraft was on the base leg of the circling pattern, it experienced a total power loss. The aircraft subsequently landed on a road approximately 1000 feet short of the runway. During the landing sequence, the left wing struck a light pole. There were no injuries reported following the accident.

The investigation

The FAA investigation focused on the cause of the engine failure and the electrical issues reported by the pilot. Investigators confirmed that fuel was available in the tanks at the time of the event. However, the FAA was unable to determine the specific cause of the total power loss.

Probable cause

The cause of the total power loss could not be determined by the FAA, though it was confirmed that sufficient fuel was present in the aircraft tanks.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-01-11 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Messena, NY?

An aircraft on a ferry flight experienced total power loss while circling for an ILS approach, resulting in an off-runway landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-01-11 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N1506X, operated by Orient Air Int'l, at Messena, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the total power loss could not be determined by the FAA, though it was confirmed that sufficient fuel was present in the aircraft tanks.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22487. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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