9 fatalities

2005-03-26: Let L-410 (HK-4146) — West Caribbean Airways — El Embrujo (Providencia Island), Colombia

El Embrujo (Providencia Island), ColombiaTakeoff (climb)

On March 26, 2005, a Let L-410 (registration HK-4146) operated by West Caribbean Airways was involved in an aviation accident near El Embrujo (Providencia Island), Colombia during takeoff. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The non-observance of the procedures described for an engine failure after V1, especially those relating to the maintenance of safe takeoff speed of 84 knots, the retraction of the flaps, automatic operation of the landing gear lever and the use of… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781199714Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff from runway 35, the left engine experienced a speed drop around V1. After rotation, the aircraft rolled right, entered an uncontrolled descent, and crashed in a wooded area 117 meters past the runway. Nine occupants died, five were injured.

Accident Sequence

The crew had completed four round trips on the same route earlier that morning. During the takeoff roll from runway 35 at El Embrujo Airport, around V1 speed, the left engine experienced a reduction in speed. Despite the speed drop, the crew continued the takeoff procedure. Shortly after rotation, the aircraft rolled to the right to an angle of 135 degrees, entered an uncontrolled descent, and crashed in a wooded area located 117 meters past the runway end. The accident resulted in the deaths of both pilots and seven passengers; five other passengers sustained injuries.

Probable Cause

The official investigation identified the following probable causes: The non-observance of procedures for an engine failure after V1, particularly those concerning the maintenance of a safe takeoff speed of 84 knots, flap retraction, automatic operation of the landing gear lever, and use of contingency power. The erroneous operation of the fuel-flow-control lever (FCL) of engine number one, moving it from open to closed during the sequence, left the aircraft without appropriate power management. Additionally, inappropriate use of the fuel-flow-control lever of engine number two, bringing it to the MAX NG position in an attempt to obtain engine performance. Maintaining an attitude after engine number two failure led to a reduction in speed and subsequently a climbing attitude after an engine shutdown, reaching stall speed and loss of control. The failure of one engine for undetermined reasons during the takeoff roll after V1 forced the crew to perform emergency procedures. The absence or failure of resource management among flight crew members during the sequence was noted. The unmeasurable reduction in situational awareness of the crew was attributed to the financial situation of the company and the divorce in which the captain was involved.