Engine failures lead to Atlantic Ocean forced landing

No fatalities • Luquillo, Puerto Rico • Flight

A flight crew performed an emergency landing in the Atlantic Ocean following the sequential failure of both engines during cruise flight.

What happened

While operating in the cruise phase of flight, the flight crew identified abnormal readings on the left engine, specifically involving high temperatures and fluctuating oil pressure. In response to these indications, the pilot executed a precautionary shutdown of the left engine.

Shortly after the first engine was shut down, the right engine began to fail, preventing the aircraft from maintaining its assigned altitude. Although the crew attempted to restart the left engine, the aircraft continued to lose altitude. The crew subsequently performed a forced landing on a beach, where the aircraft eventually came to rest in approximately five feet of water within the Atlantic Ocean.

Findings

Post-incident inspections of the propulsion systems identified mechanical failures in both engines. An examination of the left engine determined that the front master rod bearing had failed. Similarly, the investigation of the right engine revealed a failure of the aft master rod bearing.

Probable cause

The sequential failure of both engines due to internal component malfunctions in the master rod bearings.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-05-22 Convair CV-240 accident near Luquillo, Puerto Rico?

A flight crew performed an emergency landing in the Atlantic Ocean following the sequential failure of both engines during cruise flight.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-05-22 Convair CV-240 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-05-22 involved a Convair CV-240, registration N355T, operated by Dodita Air Cargo, at Luquillo, Puerto Rico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The sequential failure of both engines due to internal component malfunctions in the master rod bearings.

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