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Hard Landing Following Engine Failure During VFR Approach (XBBJU)

Brownsville, TX, US

On January 17, 2000, a Cessna 340A (registration XBBJU) operated by Luis Carlos Alanis Fernandez was involved in an aviation accident near Brownsville, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The hard landing of the aircraft resulting from the pilot's excessive rate of descent on the VFR approach. A factor was the loss of right engine power for an undetermined reason. 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 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced a loss of power in the right engine while on final approach, resulting in a hard landing that bent both wings downward.

What happened

During a visual flight rules (VFR) approach to runway 13R, the pilot reported a sudden loss of power in the right engine while flying on the downwind leg. Despite the mechanical issue, the pilot made the decision to continue the landing attempt on runway 35. The aircraft descended rapidly and touched down with significant force, described by the pilot as a "very hard" landing.

The impact caused substantial structural damage to the airframe. Upon inspection after the accident, both wings were found to be bent downward outboard of the engine nacelles. A post-accident examination of the right engine revealed no mechanical anomalies or defects that would explain the reported power loss.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Jan 2000 Cessna 340A accident near Brownsville, TX?

A pilot experienced a loss of power in the right engine while on final approach, resulting in a hard landing that bent both wings downward.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Jan 2000 Cessna 340A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Jan 2000 involved a Cessna 340A, registration XBBJU, operated by Luis Carlos Alanis Fernandez, at Brownsville, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The hard landing of the aircraft resulting from the pilot's excessive rate of descent on the VFR approach. A factor was the loss of right engine power for an undetermined reason.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20363. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.