Single-engine training flight accident involving aircraft cartwheel

1 fatality • Gunsan, South Korea • Landing (descent or approach)

A training flight ended in a fatal accident during a night approach when an engine failure led to an uncontrolled rotation and subsequent aircraft rollover.

What happened

During a nighttime local training mission, the crew was executing a single-engine approach procedure. While performing this maneuver, the nose gear warning light illuminated within the cockpit. In response to this indication, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure using only one engine.

This attempt at a single-engine climb resulted in asymmetrical thrust, which caused the aircraft type to enter an uncontrolled rotation. The aircraft subsequently cartwheeled during the maneuver. The impact was severe enough to eject the instructor pilot from the cockpit area. The accident resulted in one fatality among the passengers on board.

Findings

  • The occurrence of asymmetrical thrust during a single-engine go-around led to the loss of directional control.
  • The activation of the nose gear warning light preceded the decision to abort the approach.

Probable cause

The application of asymmetric thrust during a single-engine go-around caused the aircraft to lose control and cartwheel.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1951-10-01 Douglas A-26 Invader accident near Gunsan, South Korea?

A training flight ended in a fatal accident during a night approach when an engine failure led to an uncontrolled rotation and subsequent aircraft rollover.

Were there any fatalities in the 1951-10-01 Douglas A-26 Invader accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1951-10-01 involved a Douglas A-26 Invader, registration 44-35939, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Gunsan, South Korea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The application of asymmetric thrust during a single-engine go-around caused the aircraft to lose control and cartwheel.

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