Engine failure during night approach to Sacramento-Executive Airport

No fatalities • Sacramento-Executive, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A dual engine failure led to an aircraft stall and crash into a residential neighborhood near Sacramento-Executive Airport, resulting in injuries to the crew.

What happened

During a nighttime approach to Sacramento-Executive Airport, the aircraft experienced a simultaneous loss of power in both engines. This sudden loss of thrust caused the plane to lose airspeed, eventually leading to an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft subsequently descended into a residential area, where the impact resulted in a post-crash fire.

There were two injuries reported among the occupants of the plane. Despite the crash occurring within a populated neighborhood, no individuals on the ground sustained any injuries during the incident.

Findings

The investigation determined that the primary reason for the dual engine failure was fuel exhaustion while the aircraft was on final approach. Several operational errors contributed to the loss of power, including:

  • Improper management of fuel levels
  • Errors in calculating expected fuel consumption
  • Insufficient preparation during the preflight phase

Probable cause

The engines failed during the final approach because the aircraft ran out of fuel.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1980-08-29 Cessna 414 Chancellor accident near Sacramento-Executive, United States of America?

A dual engine failure led to an aircraft stall and crash into a residential neighborhood near Sacramento-Executive Airport, resulting in injuries to the crew.

Were there any fatalities in the 1980-08-29 Cessna 414 Chancellor accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1980-08-29 involved a Cessna 414 Chancellor, registration N1665T, operated by Air Trans Association, at Sacramento-Executive, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engines failed during the final approach because the aircraft ran out of fuel.

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