2 fatalities

2017-09-26: Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II (OK-TKF) — Valnetis Air — Noviny pod Ralskem, Czech Republic

Noviny pod Ralskem, Czech RepublicFlight

On September 26, 2017, a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II (registration OK-TKF) operated by Valnetis Air was involved in an aviation accident near Noviny pod Ralskem, Czech Republic in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A mechanical defect in the left engine exceeding its service life caused an engine stall and prevented propeller feathering, leading to a total loss of power and a stall-spin accident. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781191703Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine charter flight crashed in a wooded area after experiencing total engine failure during its cruise phase.

What happened

A charter flight departing from Příbram Airport Runway 06 toward Gdansk experienced a catastrophic loss of power approximately 30 minutes after takeoff. While cruising at an altitude of 14,100 feet, the pilot received clearance to climb to FL180 but subsequently declared an emergency due to the failure of both engines.

Following the dual engine failure, the twin-engine airplane entered an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft struck a wooded area situated roughly 1.5 km northeast of Noviny pod Ralskem. The impact and subsequent post-crash fire resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were two fatalities among the occupants, which included the pilot and one passenger.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified a mechanical defect within the left engine as the primary driver of the event. This component had exceeded its stipulated time since overhauls (TSO). The internal failure caused the engine to stall, which prevented the propeller from being feathered properly.

During the attempt to shut down the right engine, the propeller on that side also failed to feather. These combined mechanical issues led the aircraft into a stall-spin condition and subsequent fall. Additional contributing factors included the pilot's limited experience with this specific aircraft type and the fact that the left engine's last general overhaul occurred on 29 October 2001, placing it beyond the recommended 12-year limit.

Probable cause

A mechanical defect in the left engine exceeding its service life caused an engine stall and prevented propeller feathering, leading to a total loss of power and a stall-spin accident.