ATR Engine Failure and Crash During Takeoff

2 fatalities • Oklahoma City, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

An ATR aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff following a right engine failure, resulting in the deaths of both occupants.

What happened

During the initial climb phase of flight under visual meteorological conditions, an ATR aircraft experienced a mechanical failure of its right engine. Immediately following lift-off from the airport, the loss of power caused the aircraft to yaw significantly to the right. This maneuver led to a steep right roll, during which the right wing struck power lines. The subsequent impact with the ground resulted in a post-crash fire that consumed the majority of the airframe.

Only the two engines and a small section of the right wing panel survived the intense flames. There were two fatalities among the crew members on board.

Findings

Investigations into the engine failure revealed that the right engine suffered from a lack of lubrication to the impeller shaft. This starvation of oil was caused by a blockage in the oil jet, which was attributed to foreign object debris (FOD). While the oil line connecting the scavenge sump to the scavenge pump inlet had been recently replaced, the specific origin of the debris remains undetermined.

Records indicate that the aircraft had undergone maintenance for an oil leak approximately two weeks before the accident. The investigation concluded that the loss of directional control and the subsequent collision with terrain were driven by the partial loss of engine power due to mechanical malfunction.

Probable cause

The engine failed because foreign object debris blocked the oil jet, leading to insufficient lubrication of the impeller shaft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1985-11-05 Beechcraft H18 accident near Oklahoma City, United States of America?

An ATR aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff following a right engine failure, resulting in the deaths of both occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 1985-11-05 Beechcraft H18 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1985-11-05 involved a Beechcraft H18, registration N1461G, operated by Starflight - USA, at Oklahoma City, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failed because foreign object debris blocked the oil jet, leading to insufficient lubrication of the impeller shaft.

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