Accident Details
On December 20, 2007 at approximately 1630 EST, N954PA, a Cessna 208B Caravan aircraft owned and operated by Agape Flight Inc (a United States FAR Part 91 operator), encountered a sudden engine stoppage while en route from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to West Palm Beach, Florida. At the time, the aircraft was flying at 12,000 feet. The crew diverted toward the nearest airport but determined that the aircraft could not glide the required distance. The aircraft subsequently landed 30 nautical miles west-northwest of Chub Cay. There were two crew members on board, and no injuries were reported. The aircraft came to rest submerged in approximately eighteen to twenty feet of water, with the tail visible at low tide. Both crew members were qualified in accordance with the United States Code of Federal Regulations.
Probable Cause
The engine power loss was caused by a loss of fuel pressure resulting from a loss of drive to the fuel pump. The drive loss was caused by worn and cracked splines on the drive shaft. The damage to the splines of the fuel pump drive shaft was likely caused by cracking below the chrome plating covering the splines, which deteriorated into spalling and wear leading to decouple between the accessories gearbox and fuel pump. The remaining engine damage was caused by exposure to salt water. Contributing factors: Maintenance changed the fuel control unit and coupling shaft on July 17, 2007 due to original FCU failing emergency power checks. However there is no record to show whether or not the splines of fuel pump drive shaft inspection as per P&WC’s applicable Maintenance Manual has been accomplished.