Incident Overview
On February 24, 2009, at 18:40 local time, an Air Nostrum Bombardier CL-600-2B19 (CRJ-200ER), registration EC-IKZ, experienced a simultaneous shutdown of both engines while descending approximately 55 nautical miles south of Santander Airport. The aircraft was on a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Madrid to Santander.
Flight History
The crew had started their duty in Valencia and were scheduled for four flights: Valencia-Madrid, Madrid-Santander, Santander-Madrid, and Madrid-Nantes. The aircraft departed Madrid at 18:13:27 en route to Santander. The captain was the pilot flying. At 18:39:37, while at flight level 200 and 268 knots, both engines shut down simultaneously. The flight data recorder indicated fuel flow of 0 kg/h to both engines. The air-driven generator deployed automatically to supply electrical power.
The crew initiated an engine restart by selecting continuous ignition. The engines started, and after about one minute, fuel flow returned to previous values. During the restart, an airline flight crew member who was a passenger entered the cockpit. At 18:41:11, the crew declared an emergency at the suggestion of the third crew member, reporting a double engine failure and requesting landing priority. ATC acknowledged and granted priority. The remainder of the flight and landing were normal, with no damage or injury. The aircraft taxied to parking and passengers deplaned normally. The flight was in visual meteorological conditions with no significant weather.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft, serial number 7732, was manufactured in 2002 and had all required permits. It had 16,903.72 flight hours and 14,264 cycles. The left engine (MSN 873615) had 16,903 flight hours; the right engine (MSN 872428) had 23,781 flight hours and was overhauled in September 2008. The captain, 48, held an ATPL and had 9,328 total flight hours (5,052 on type). The first officer, 34, also held an ATPL with 4,084 total hours (2,824 on type). Both had valid ratings and recent proficiency checks.
Engine and Fuel System Details
The aircraft is powered by two General Electric CF-34-3B1 turbofan engines. The thrust control system includes two thrust levers with mechanical stops to prevent inadvertent shutdown. The fuel system comprises three integral wing tanks and collector tanks with boost pumps. At the time of the incident, the aircraft had 3,000 kg of fuel on takeoff with 900 kg expected consumption. The fuel system computer monitors and alerts the crew via EICAS.
Meteorological and Communication Information
METAR at Santander at 17:30 UTC reported wind from 90° at 9 knots, visibility over 10 km, cloud cover 5/8 at 2,900 ft, temperature 9.2°C, and QNH 1023 hPa. Communications between the crew and ATC were routine, with ATC inquiring about the number of persons onboard before landing.
Injuries and Damage
There were no injuries to the 4 crew or 44 passengers. The aircraft sustained no damage. No third-party damage occurred.