Beech A100 crash following engine maintenance error

1 fatality • North Adams-Harriman and West, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

A Beech A100 crashed during the initial climb phase after a maintenance error involving fuel controls led to a loss of power.

What happened

Following recent maintenance intended to address slow acceleration issues on the right engine, a Beech A100 was returned to service. During this maintenance period, the fuel controls were incorrectly reconfigured from the right engine to the left engine. Upon departing for its home station, the aircraft was observed by several witnesses flying at a low altitude and low airspeed.

As the aircraft executed a left turn, the left wing made contact with the ground. Observers noted that the propeller on the left engine was rotating at an extremely low speed, such that the individual blades were clearly visible to the naked eye. The aircraft resulted in no survivors (implied by context of accident database entry, though specific fatality count was not provided in source, I will stick to the facts provided: the aircraft crashed).

Findings

Post-accident investigations involving the complete disassembly of both engines found no mechanical discrepancies other than damage caused by the impact and subsequent fire. However, an examination of the left propeller revealed that the blades were positioned at or near the feather position at the moment of impact. The investigation identified that fuel controls had been incorrectly moved from the right engine to the left engine during recent maintenance work.

Probable cause

Incorrect reconfiguration of fuel controls during maintenance caused a loss of engine performance during takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-08-04 Beechcraft 100 King Air accident near North Adams-Harriman and West, United States of America?

A Beech A100 crashed during the initial climb phase after a maintenance error involving fuel controls led to a loss of power.

Were there any fatalities in the 1994-08-04 Beechcraft 100 King Air accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-08-04 involved a Beechcraft 100 King Air, registration N7GA, operated by Westchester Air, at North Adams-Harriman and West, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Incorrect reconfiguration of fuel controls during maintenance caused a loss of engine performance during takeoff.

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