Dual engine failure during climb leads to aircraft impact

4 fatalities • Augusta-Bush Field, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a total loss of power in both engines during a climb, resulting in a crash into a building.

What happened

During the initial climb phase, while passing through an altitude of 6,300 feet, the pilot notified air traffic control that the right engine had experienced a total loss of power. In an attempt to manage the emergency, the pilot began an emergency descent to prepare for an unplanned landing.

Approximately four minutes after the initial failure, the pilot reported that the left engine had also ceased functioning. Following the loss of all propulsion, the aircraft type impacted a driveway and subsequently slid into a nearby structure. There were no specific casualty figures provided in the report, but the impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft.

Findings

An investigation into the mechanical failure of the right engine identified that the engine case halves had shifted. This structural instability was linked to recent maintenance work, as records showed that several cylinders had been replaced in the months preceding the accident. Because the cylinder through bolts are essential for maintaining the torque and integrity of the engine case, their role in the failure was a primary focus. While the failure of the right engine was attributed to this shifting, the specific reason for the subsequent loss of power in the left engine remained undetermined.

Probable cause

The right engine failed due to the shifting of engine case halves following recent cylinder replacements.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-01-12 Cessna 414 Chancellor accident near Augusta-Bush Field, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced a total loss of power in both engines during a climb, resulting in a crash into a building.

Were there any fatalities in the 1995-01-12 Cessna 414 Chancellor accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-01-12 involved a Cessna 414 Chancellor, registration N13SE, operated by Charles B. Merrill Jr., at Augusta-Bush Field, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The right engine failed due to the shifting of engine case halves following recent cylinder replacements.

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