On December 5, 1968, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration CF-RQL) operated by Island Airlines (Canada) was involved in an aviation accident near Seattle-Boeing Field, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engines failed due to fuel starvation caused by incorrect fuel selector positioning and failure to follow operational checklists. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft experienced total engine failure during its final approach to Seattle-Boeing Field, resulting in a crash into a parking lot.
What happened
During the final approach phase of flight into Seattle-Boeing Field, an aircraft suffered a simultaneous loss of power in both engines. As the plane lost altitude, it collided with electrical wires before impacting a parking lot. The impact triggered a fire that consumed the aircraft and destroyed seven nearby vehicles. The pilot sustained injuries during the accident.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified several contributing elements related to the loss of power. The primary cause was determined to be fuel starvation resulting from improper fuel management. Specifically, the crew failed to follow established checklists, leaving the fuel selector positioned on the nose tank, which led to the engine failures.
Probable cause
The engines failed due to fuel starvation caused by incorrect fuel selector positioning and failure to follow operational checklists.