Jetstream 31 Excursion and Fire at Punta Cana International Airport

Casualties unknown • DO

A commercial flight involving a British Aerospace Jetstream 31 veered off the runway at Punta Cana, resulting in a wing separation and subsequent fire.

What happened

On October 12, 2014, at approximately 8:25 p.m., a British Aerospace Jetstream 31, registration HI-816, was completing a commercial flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. After landing on runway 08 at Punta Cana International Airport, the aircraft experienced a sudden leftward yaw. The aircraft traveled approximately 1,500 feet into the safety area before striking a tree at the edge of the zone.

The impact caused the left wing and its fuel tank to rupture, triggering a fire that affected the left side of the aircraft. Following the collision with the tree, the aircraft spun nearly 180 degrees, causing the landing gear to collapse and the lower fuselage to strike rocky terrain. While the crew and most passengers escaped without injury, two passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation.

The investigation

The CIAA investigation focused on the mechanical state of the engines and the pilot's actions during the landing phase. Investigators examined the propeller blades, noting that three blades on the number two (right) engine were in the feathered position, while the fourth was rotated 180 degrees. Analysis of the number two engine revealed an oil leak at the propeller governor head connection, which had caused a loss of oil pressure during the flight.

Additionally, the investigation found that the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) was unusable due to advanced tape deterioration. The aircraft was also found to be operating without a flight data recorder (FDR), which is a mandatory requirement for this type of operation under local regulations.

Findings

  • The pilot observed fluctuating oil pressure on the number two engine during the final approach.
  • The pilot applied reverse thrust to both engines immediately upon landing without waiting for the Beta light indication, which is essential to ensure proper engine function.
  • Only the number one (left) engine responded to the reverse thrust command, causing the aircraft to veer sharply to the left and exit the runway.
  • A mechanical failure in the number two engine, specifically an oil leak at the propeller governor, contributed to the engine's performance issues.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to use reverse thrust on both engines before the Beta light indication was received, combined with a mechanical oil leak in the number two engine that caused pressure fluctuations.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-01-01 aircraft accident near DO?

A commercial flight involving a British Aerospace Jetstream 31 veered off the runway at Punta Cana, resulting in a wing separation and subsequent fire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-01-01 involved a aircraft, registration HI816, at DO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to use reverse thrust on both engines before the Beta light indication was received, combined with a mechanical oil leak in the number two engine that caused pressure fluctuations.

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