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8 fatalities

1995-09-02: Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III (N6234G) — Adventure Airlines — Mesquite, United States of America

Mesquite, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 2, 1995, a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III (registration N6234G) operated by Adventure Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Mesquite, United States of America during landing or approach. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering on approach, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and uncontrolled collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781207732Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 421C crashed during a right turn onto final approach after the pilot reported a left engine problem. The aircraft stalled and spun into terrain short of the runway. All eight occupants were killed.

Accident Sequence

The pilot of the Cessna 421C reported a turbocharger problem after climbing to 18,400 feet mean sea level and reversed course. He advised that he 'may lose the left engine' and was unable to maintain altitude, diverting to an alternate airport. During a right turn onto final approach, the airplane crossed (overshot) the extended runway centerline. It then turned right back toward the centerline before entering a left turn to intercept the inbound course. The left turn steepened, and the airplane entered a spin, crashing approximately one-half mile short of the runway.

Aircraft and Systems

Examination revealed a warped flange and evidence of exhaust gas leakage on the Inconel exhaust system Wye collector at the wastegate outlet of the left engine. Neither propeller was in a feather position. Evidence indicated the left engine was providing low power at impact.

A note on the pilot's clipboard recorded that left engine fuel flow and cylinder head temperature went to zero, and manifold pressure dropped to 10 inches of mercury. The note also stated that the pilot switched the 'boost pump' to high, after which fuel flow increased to 260 psi and manifold pressure rose to 18.5 inches.

Weight and Balance

Calculations showed the airplane's gross weight was 7,645 pounds and center of gravity was 158.32 inches. The maximum allowable gross weight was 7,450 pounds and the maximum allowable center of gravity was 158 inches. The aircraft's weight and balance exceeded these limits.

Pilot and Procedures

The pilot's flight time in the Cessna 421 was mostly accumulated before 1985; no record of recurrent training in the airplane since 1984 was found. The 'Engine Inoperative Landing' procedure stated: 'Wing Flaps - DOWN when landing is assured.' At impact, the flaps were fully extended.

Maintenance

Annual and turbocharger inspections were performed at 78 and 120 flight hours, respectively, before the accident. No logbook entries were made concerning maintenance or replacement parts for the exhaust system.

Occupants

All eight occupants were killed.

Probable cause

Failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering on approach, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and uncontrolled collision with terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot allowed the aircraft weight and balance limitations to be exceeded; the pilot's lack of recurrent training in the make and model of airplane; inadequate maintenance/inspection of the engine exhaust systems; a warped and leaking exhaust system flange on the left engine, which resulted in a loss of power in that engine; and the pilot's improper use of the flaps.
Loss of control in flightMaintenance errorAerodynamic stall

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