No fatalities

2016-03-05: Beechcraft MC-12W Liberty (N6351V) — United States Army — Kawrgosk, Iraq

Kawrgosk, IraqFlight

On March 5, 2016, a Beechcraft MC-12W Liberty (registration N6351V) operated by United States Army was involved in an aviation accident near Kawrgosk, Iraq in flight. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781192531Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft on a military survey flight from Arbil experienced a left engine failure and smoke in the cabin. The crew inadvertently shut down the right engine, cleared the smoke, and executed a belly landing in a field near Kawrgosk. All four occupants evacuated safely.

Incident Summary

A twin-engine aircraft operating a military survey flight from Arbil Airport experienced an in-flight emergency that resulted in a forced landing in a field. The aircraft, carrying two pilots and two passengers, was cruising at an altitude of 20,000 feet when the left engine failed and smoke filled the cabin.

Sequence of Events

According to the investigation, after the left engine failed, smoke spread throughout the cabin. In a state of confusion and disorientation, the crew inadvertently shut down the right engine as well. During the subsequent descent, the crew managed to open the outflow valve, which cleared the smoke from the cabin. The crew then realized they could not reach Arbil Airport and decided to attempt an emergency landing.

Emergency Landing and Aftermath

The crew selected a field in the area of Kawrgosk, approximately 17 kilometers northwest of Arbil Airport, for the emergency landing. The aircraft touched down and slid on its belly for several dozen meters before coming to rest. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair. All four occupants evacuated the aircraft safely, with no injuries reported.