Four-Engine Aircraft Crash During Mail Flight from Lajes to Lisbon (LZ-SFG)

Incident Overview and Flight Details A four-engine aircraft was operating a mail flight that originated in Lisbon and included stops at Ponta Delgada and Lajes before returning to Lisbon. During the final leg from Lajes to Lisbon, the aircraft was carrying 1,693.5 kg of cargo and mail. The accident occurred shortly after takeoff from runway 33 while the aircraft was in its initial climb phase. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or exact date of the incident. ## Sequence of Events During the initial climb, engine number 3 failed, and its propeller autofeathered. Six seconds later, engine number 4 also failed. Following these dual engine failures, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in hilly terrain located not far from the airport. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and all seven occupants on board were killed. ## Official Probable Cause Findings The official investigation identified several factors that contributed to the accident. The primary cause was the stoppage of engines number 3 and 4 during takeoff, which resulted from an incorrect selection of the fuel system. The investigation noted that the crew's attempt to transfer fuel from the lower tanks to the wings interrupted the checklist sequence, which may have contributed to the incorrect fuel system selection. Additionally, the cargo was not secured, a factor that may have contributed to the deterioration of the aircraft's stability and controllability. The investigation also found that the landing gear could not be retracted in time, which contributed to a decrease in the aircraft's performance.