Accident Details
On April 7, 2010, at about 0915 Atlantic standard time, a Cessna 404, registration N6035, was substantially damaged following an in-flight loss of engine power and forced landing at Mercedita Airport (TJPS) in Ponce, Puerto Rico. The airplane was operated by Policia de Puerto Rico. The certificated commercial pilot and two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the public use surveillance flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, at about 200 feet above ground level, the right engine surged and began losing power. The pilot feathered the right propeller and advanced the throttle on the left engine. As the airplane was losing altitude, the pilot elected to land straight ahead in a grassy area beyond the departure end of the runway. The airplane contacted a fence about 700 feet past the departure end of the runway, resulting in structural damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported 230 gallons of fuel on board at takeoff.
A pilot-rated passenger and an observer on board reported hearing the sound of an “explosion” from the right engine at the time of the power loss.
Investigation
The wreckage was recovered to a hangar at the airport. A cursory examination did not reveal a reason for the engine power loss. A compression check on the right engine cylinders showed compression on all cylinders. The left wing fuel tank registered 400 pounds of fuel, while the right wing tank did not register any fuel quantity due to impact damage affecting the tank's integrity. Both wing tank drains were activated, and fuel was available from both drains.
The engines were removed and sent to an engineering facility for teardown and examination, with an FAA inspector providing oversight. The right engine, serial number 823723-R, had accumulated about 385 hours since factory overhaul, with about 95 hours since its most recent inspection on February 28, 2010.
Examination of the right engine found no metallic particles in the oil pan. The alternator, starter, and magnetos showed no anomalies. Air induction tubes were secure and intact. All spark plugs had dry, black electrodes. The engine rotated freely by hand, and the valve train and exposed accessory gears appeared normal. Internal engine continuity was established with no anomalies. Fuel injectors showed no blockages.
Bench-tested components—including the fuel servo, engine-driven fuel pump, fuel manifold, both magnetos, and both ignition harnesses—all tested satisfactorily with no anomalies.
The left engine was also examined, including internal continuity and bench-testing of components, with no anomalies found.
The 0850 weather observation for TJPS reported few clouds at 2,500 feet, surface winds from 050 degrees at 8 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 28°C, dew point 18°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.00 inches of mercury.