On March 24, 2006, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (registration HC-BXD) operated by ATESA - Aero Taxis Ecuatorianos was involved in an aviation accident near Cuenca-Mariscal La Mar, Ecuador during takeoff. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: One or more blades located on the turbine compressor failed as a result of deformation due to excessive high temperatures. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft experienced engine failure at 300 feet after takeoff from Cuenca-Mariscal La Mar Airport, struck a building, and crashed. Five passengers were killed and nine serious injuries occurred. The investigation cited turbine compressor blade failure due to high temperatures and maintenance lapses.
Accident Details
Shortly after takeoff from runway 05 at Cuenca-Mariscal La Mar Airport, while climbing to a height of 300 feet, the engine failed. The airplane lost altitude, causing the nose wheel to strike the roof of a building. Subsequently, out of control, the aircraft crashed onto a building occupied by a rubber company. Five passengers were killed and nine other occupants were seriously injured. There were no injuries on the ground. The aircraft was destroyed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation revealed that one or more blades located on the turbine compressor failed as a result of deformation due to excessive high temperatures. It was also reported that the company's maintenance failed to follow the engine maintenance program in that the engine had not been inspected in accordance with the procedures published by the engine manufacturer. Specifically, the Hot Section Inspection (HSI) should have been performed at 3,600 flight hours, but the airplane accumulated an additional 200 hours without the required checks.
Probable cause
One or more blades located on the turbine compressor failed as a result of deformation due to excessive high temperatures. The company's maintenance failed to follow the engine maintenance program that had not been inspected in accordance with the procedures published by the engine manufacturer. The Hot Section Inspection (HSI) should have been performed at 3,600 flight hours but the airplane accumulated 200 additional hours since without the required checks.