On April 28, 1977, a Learjet 35 (registration JY-AEW) operated by Arab Wings was involved in an aviation accident near Riyadh-King Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabia during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The decision to proceed with takeoff while an engine was inoperative due to a failed starter led to a loss of control during the takeoff roll. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft crashed during its takeoff roll after the crew attempted to proceed with an inoperative left engine following a starter failure.
What happened
During the initial start-up phase of the flight, the flight crew identified mechanical issues involving the left engine. Specifically, the engine failed to operate because the starter mechanism was non-functional. Rather than aborting the mission, the crew decided to initiate the takeoff sequence with the left engine remaining inoperative, intending to perform an airstart once airborne.
As the aircraft accelerated down the runway, a loss of control occurred immediately prior to rotation. The aircraft subsequently crashed during the takeoff roll. The accident resulted in two fatalities, as both pilots on board were killed in the impact.
Findings
The crew attempted to continue the takeoff procedure despite a known engine malfunction.
The failure of the left engine starter prevented the engine from being operational prior to departure.
Probable cause
The decision to proceed with takeoff while an engine was inoperative due to a failed starter led to a loss of control during the takeoff roll.