4 fatalities

1995-01-12: Cessna 414 Chancellor (N13SE) — Charles B. Merrill Jr. — Augusta-Bush Field, United States of America

Augusta-Bush Field, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On January 12, 1995, a Cessna 414 Chancellor (registration N13SE) operated by Charles B. Merrill Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Augusta-Bush Field, United States of America during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of power on the left engine for undetermined reasons. A factor was the failure of the right engine due to maintenance personnel's failure to properly torque the cylinder through bolts. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781208380Data APIEditorial standards

While climbing through 6,300 feet, a pilot reported a complete right engine power loss, followed by left engine failure about four minutes later. The aircraft struck a driveway and slid into a building. Investigation found the right engine failed due to shifted case halves caused by improperly torqued cylinder through bolts. The left engine failure cause was undetermined.

Incident Overview

During climb at 6,300 feet, the pilot reported a complete loss of power on the right engine. Approximately four minutes later, after initiating an emergency descent for a landing, the pilot reported that the left engine had also lost power. The aircraft subsequently impacted a driveway and skidded into a building.

Right Engine Failure

Examination revealed that the right engine failed due to shifting of the engine case halves. Review of engine maintenance records indicated that several cylinders had been replaced in recent months. The cylinder through bolts, which are used to torque the engine case, were found to have been improperly torqued by maintenance personnel.

Left Engine Failure

A reason for the loss of power on the left engine was not determined. The investigation was unable to identify a specific cause for the left engine failure.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause was determined as the loss of power on the left engine for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the failure of the right engine due to maintenance personnel's failure to properly torque the cylinder through bolts.