No fatalities

1990-01-17: Cessna 404 Titan (N335GP) — Geodatos — Boca Raton, United States of America

Boca Raton, United States of AmericaFlight

On January 17, 1990, a Cessna 404 Titan (registration N335GP) operated by Geodatos was involved in an aviation accident near Boca Raton, United States of America in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of power in the right engine due to a disconnected duct between the turbocharger and the plenum chamber. The reason for the loss of power in the left engine was not determined. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781213291Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft experienced a right engine failure caused by a disconnected turbocharger duct. While diverting, the left engine also lost power. The pilot landed on an overpass under construction. Fuel quantity was sufficient; left engine failure cause undetermined.

Event Summary

While level after descending, the right engine quit. The pilot feathered the propeller and advised air traffic control. The aircraft was being diverted to an alternate airport when the left engine also quit. The pilot positioned the left engine boost pump to high and low, with negative results, but did not feather the propeller. The position of the boost pumps when the engines quit was not determined. The aircraft subsequently landed on an overpass that was under construction. Fuel leakage occurred after the accident due to aircraft damage. The fuel quantity was sufficient.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the aircraft revealed that a flexible duct from the turbocharger to the plenum chamber in the right engine had separated due to a loose clamp. The hose was installed, and a club propeller was installed for each engine run. Both engines operated normally. During the right engine run, the induction air hose was pulled, causing the engine to run rough due to an excessively rich mixture. No determination could be made for the reason of the left engine power loss.

Probable Cause

The probable cause, as stated by the official investigation, was loss of power in the right engine due to a disconnected duct between the turbocharger and the plenum chamber. The reason for the loss of power in the left engine was not determined.