Incident Overview
A sightseeing flight experienced an engine malfunction during takeoff climb. At about 500 feet AGL, the pilot noticed a reduction in airspeed and a drop in manifold pressure from 36.5 inches to 23 inches. The pilot turned on the auxiliary fuel pump but could not restart the engine. A forced landing was performed in rough, sandy terrain.
Examination Findings
Post-accident inspection disclosed that the upper induction tube, responsible for conveying compressed air from the turbocharger to the throttle body, had become separated at a rubber connecting sleeve. The separation occurred approximately 10 inches before the throttle body. This tube carries compressed turbocharger intake air.
Maintenance and Manual Information
Scenic Airlines maintenance personnel had replaced the engine with a remanufactured zero-time unit on July 30, 1996. The T207A Information Manual did not provide procedures for abnormal operation following a turbocharger failure. Furthermore, the FAA did not require aircraft manufacturers to include information on handling a loss of compressed induction air in turbocharged airplanes.