Dual engine failure and forced landing of twin-engine aircraft

No fatalities • Elk Grove Village, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A pilot experienced a total loss of power in both engines during a visual approach, resulting in a forced landing in a wooded area.

What happened

Following the completion of a charter flight, the pilot began a flight to a different airport located approximately 200 nautical miles away to collect new passengers. During the approach to this destination, the pilot received word from previous passengers that they were ready for pickup at the original departure airport. Consequently, the pilot aborted the landing and redirected the aircraft type toward the initial airport.

While climbing to 10,000 feet, the pilot observed an unusually high rate of fuel consumption and subsequently increased the altitude to 16,000 feet. During the final stages of the approach, specifically around 3 miles from the runway, air traffic control instructed the pilot to reduce speed. Due to another aircraft occupying the runway, the controller issued a go-around instruction. Despite notifying controllers on two separate occasions that the aircraft was operating with minimum fuel, the pilot continued a visual approach to the same runway.

During this phase, the right engine lost power, followed shortly by the left engine. The pilot feathered both propellers and executed a forced landing into a wooded area. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage of the aircraft.

Findings

Investigation into the incident revealed that the pilot was attempting to manage too many tasks while operating under critical fuel constraints. The pilot later acknowledged that the accident was primarily the result of poor fuel management. Although instructions were given to perform a go-around, the pilot failed to prioritize the landing given the critical fuel status.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by inadequate fuel management and the pilot's failure to prioritize landing while operating with minimum fuel levels.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-09-08 Beechcraft 200 Super King Air accident near Elk Grove Village, United States of America?

A pilot experienced a total loss of power in both engines during a visual approach, resulting in a forced landing in a wooded area.

Were there any fatalities in the 2023-09-08 Beechcraft 200 Super King Air accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-09-08 involved a Beechcraft 200 Super King Air, registration N220KW, operated by Airselect, at Elk Grove Village, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by inadequate fuel management and the pilot's failure to prioritize landing while operating with minimum fuel levels.

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