What happened
A twin-engine aircraft departed from Arbil Airport while conducting a military survey mission. The flight was carrying a total of four people, including two pilots and two passengers. During the cruise phase at 20,000 feet, the aircraft experienced a failure of the left engine, which led to smoke entering the cabin.
In the ensuing confusion and disorientation, the crew mistakenly shut down the right engine. As the aircraft descended, the crew managed to open the outflow valve, which successfully cleared the smoke from the cabin. Realizing that returning to Arbil Airport was no longer possible, the pilot attempted an emergency landing in a field situated in Kawrgosk, approximately 17 km northwest of the departure airport.
Upon impact, the twin-engine aircraft slid on its belly for several dozen meters before coming to a stop. While there were zero fatalities and all four occupants evacuated the aircraft without injury, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
- The primary cause of the dual engine shutdown was crew error following an initial engine failure and subsequent smoke inhalation/disorientation.