1 fatality

1970-12-10: Beechcraft E18 (N3604B) — Great Lakes Aviation — Youngstown-Warren, United States of America

Youngstown-Warren, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 10, 1970, a Beechcraft E18 (registration N3604B) operated by Great Lakes Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Youngstown-Warren, United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Double engine failure on approach caused by a mismanagement of fuel on part of the pilot-in-command. Factors: Fuel starvation; the fuel selector was positioned between tanks; failure of both engines; both fuel selectors not fully open. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781235693Data APIEditorial standards

During a night approach to Youngstown Airport, both engines of a cargo flight from Chicago stopped simultaneously, causing the aircraft to strike trees and crash in a wooded area. The pilot, sole occupant, was killed and the aircraft destroyed.

Accident Overview

On a night approach to Youngstown Airport, a cargo flight originating from Chicago experienced a simultaneous loss of power from both engines. The airplane subsequently lost altitude, struck trees, and crashed in a wooded area. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact, and the pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the double engine failure occurred during the approach phase. The probable cause was identified as a mismanagement of fuel by the pilot-in-command. Contributing factors reported include fuel starvation, with the fuel selector positioned between tanks, leading to the failure of both engines. Additionally, both fuel selectors were found not to be fully open.

Probable Cause

The probable cause is double engine failure on approach caused by a mismanagement of fuel on part of the pilot-in-command. The following factors were reported: fuel starvation, the fuel selector was positioned between tanks, failure of both engines, and both fuel selectors not fully open.