Dual Engine Flameout During Turbulence Encounter

Casualties unknown • Nacogdoches, TX, US

A crew experienced a dual engine flameout in a CL 600 aircraft after encountering severe weather, including ice crystals and thunderstorm outflow.

What happened

While cruising at FL370, the CL 600 entered a cloud layer and encountered turbulence. The crew initiated a descent to FL330. As the pilot attempted to level off at FL330, the N1 indication failed to respond to power applications. Upon reaching FL310, the #1 engine flamed out.

The weather conditions during the event included turbulence, thunderstorm outflow, and ice crystals. In an attempt to restart the engines using a cross bleed air start, the #2 engine also flamed out. The crew deployed the Air Driven Generator (ADG) and successfully performed an APU-assisted start. Both engines were stabilized by 5000 feet, and the aircraft landed safely with no injuries.

The investigation

Interviews and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) data indicated that the crew did not call for the emergency checklist and demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding the aircraft systems. It was determined that the crew had not attended a formal training course for the CL 600; the captain and copilot had received their type ratings from a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) in May 1994 and March 1994, respectively.

Mechanical testing of the fuel control units revealed discrepancies in the start and acceleration schedules. However, investigators found no discrepancies in these units that would have contributed to the engine flameouts.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-10-17 Canadair CL 600 accident near Nacogdoches, TX?

A crew experienced a dual engine flameout in a CL 600 aircraft after encountering severe weather, including ice crystals and thunderstorm outflow.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-10-17 involved a Canadair CL 600, registration N600RE, operated by Affiliated Health Services Inc, at Nacogdoches, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FLIGHT CREW'S IMPROPER USE OF THE ANTI-ICE SYSTEM, WHICH RESULTED IN ENGINE ICE, SUBSEQUENT ICE INGESTION, AND ENGINE FLAMEOUT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: FAILURE OF THE FLIGHT CREW TO FOLLOW THE CHECKLIST PROCEDURES AFTER FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE AIRCREW'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02431. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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