What happened
On November 10, 2017, a Kodiak 100, registration N154KQ, was conducting a transfer flight from Lucas do Rio Verde to Anápolis. During the flight, the pilot identified conflicting fuel quantity information between the aircraft's panel and the EICAS system. To resolve the discrepancy, the pilot performed an intermediate landing at an unapproved runway in Goiás Velho to visually verify the remaining fuel.
After confirming that the fuel levels were sufficient to continue the mission, the aircraft took off from the unapproved site. Shortly after takeoff, upon retracting the flaps at approximately 300 feet, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to execute a turn to return to the runway, but the engine failed to maintain power, and the propeller began to windmilling. The aircraft subsequently collided with vegetation in a rough, mountainous area, resulting in a crash and a post-impact fire that destroyed the airframe.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the engine components. While the fire prevented a full analysis of the Fuel Control Unit (FCU) and fuel pump, examinations of the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 engine revealed marks of rubbing on the compressor and power turbines, indicating the engine was producing low power at the time of impact. Investigators could not definitively rule out a failure in the fuel supply system or pneumatic lines.
The investigation also reviewed the pilot's recent history and training. The pilot had recently begun performing demonstration flights in this specific aircraft type and reported that his previous flight experience was insufficient to provide adequate familiarization with the aircraft's emergency procedures. Additionally, the investigation noted that the pilot had not personally monitored the most recent refueling of the aircraft.
Findings
- The pilot's failure to monitor the refueling process led to incorrect data entry in the detotalizer, creating the initial fuel discrepancy.
- The pilot's insufficient familiarization with emergency procedures likely delayed the identification of the engine failure and limited the effectiveness of the checklist execution.
- The low altitude (300ft) provided insufficient time to identify the nature of the emergency and execute the required checklists.
- The pilot's lack of recent experience in this specific aircraft model contributed to a delayed response to the power loss.