Casualties unknown

1993-04-02: Fairchild SA227-TT (N500AK) — Blountville, TN

Blountville, TN, US

On April 2, 1993, a Fairchild SA227-TT (registration N500AK) was involved in an aviation accident near Blountville, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES CONCERNING USE OF THE ENGINE INLET ANTI-ICE SYSTEM AND/OR CONTINUOUS IGNITION WHILE OPERATING IN ICING CONDITIONS, WHICH RESULTED IN PROBABLE ICE INGESTION AND LOSS OF ENGINE POWER; AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

N500AK encountered icing before starting an ILS approach, slowed consistent with power reduction or partial loss of power, entered a steep descent, and crashed. Engines were not operating at impact; propellers were feathered.

Accident Summary

On an unspecified date, aircraft N500AK encountered icing in flight before the start of an instrument landing system (ILS) approach. Radar data indicated that before reaching the outer marker, the aircraft slowed in a manner consistent with a power reduction or partial loss of power. It subsequently entered a steep descent and crashed.

Flight History

During the approach, the aircraft experienced icing conditions. The exact time of day, weather conditions beyond the presence of icing, and any air traffic control communications were not specified in the source.

Examination Findings

Post-crash examination revealed that the engines were not operating at impact and that the propellers had been feathered. No preimpact part failure or malfunction of the engines, propellers, or anti-ice system was found. Evidence indicated that the engine inlet anti-ice annunciator lights and the stability augmentation system (SAS) fault warning light were illuminated during impact.

Engine Manufacturer Report

The engine manufacturer reported that flameouts had occurred in other aircraft during or following operation in icing conditions, sometimes after descent into warmer air.

Flight Manual Guidance

The flight manual noted that if icing was encountered with the anti-ice system off, the recommended procedure was to select continuous ignition, then select engine and propeller heat, applying heat to one engine at a time and ensuring the first engine was operating satisfactorily before selecting the second engine, and to engage SAS heat.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12077. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.