What happened
On April 18, 2005, a Raytheon Beech B200, registration OB-1700-P, operated by Aero Condor, was performing a flight from Chagual to Lima. The flight had previously diverted to Chiclayo to refuel because a NOTAM had indicated that refueling services were unavailable in Trujillo.
While approximately 25 miles from Lima, the crew noticed low fuel pressure. Shortly after, at 22 miles from the destination, the left engine failed. The crew attempted to continue the approach while securing the left engine. However, approximately 3 miles from Lima, the right engine also lost power, leading the crew to declare an emergency.
To avoid gas storage tanks located near the extension of runway 15 at Jorge Chávez International Airport, the crew performed a 180-degree turn and directed the aircraft toward a nearby agricultural field. The aircraft made contact with the ground at a heading of 358°, causing the left landing gear to collapse. The aircraft slid approximately 85 meters before coming to a stop. There were no fatalities among the 10 passengers and the two crew members, though the aircraft sustained major damage to the fuselage, engines, propellers, and flight surfaces.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation focused on the sequence of engine failures and the operational context of the flight. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, fuel logs, and the crew's flight schedule. The investigation also reviewed the logistical challenges caused by the lack of fuel availability in Trujillo and the crew's workload during a long day of consecutive flights.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the shutdown of both engines due to fuel exhaustion.
- The crew failed to maintain adequate monitoring of fuel consumption during the operation and during the refueling process in Chiclayo.
- The crew's performance and situational awareness were likely degraded by a long, exhausting duty day involving four consecutive flights and multiple roles, including dispatcher, loader, and flight attendant.
- Inadequate operational planning by the company management failed to account for the logistical difficulties arising from the fuel unavailability in Trujillo.