Engine failure during air show flight pattern

No fatalities • Oshkosh, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft experienced a right engine power loss during the downwind leg of a flight pattern at an air show, resulting in a terrain collision.

What happened

During an air show, a twin engine airplane was performing a series of fly-by maneuvers. After successfully completing two circuits, the aircraft was on its third downwind leg at an altitude between 600 and 800 feet AGL when the right engine lost power. At the time of the incident, the main landing gear had already been deployed, as the pilot intended to land on the runway.

In response to the engine failure, the pilot attempted to restart the right engine by advancing the throttles. However, the engine failed to relight. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground short of the runway. The flight involved five occupants, all of whom sustained injuries, with four serious injuries reported.

Findings

Post-accident investigations focused on the condition of the right engine and the aircraft's configuration. While the right engine's propeller was found in an unfeathered, fine pitch position, the pilot did not report feathering the engine following the failure. An inspection of the right engine showed no signs of an anomaly prior to the impact. Due to damage sustained during the crash, the magnetos and carburetor of the right engine could not be functionally tested.

Probable cause

The aircraft collided with terrain following a loss of power in the right engine during the downwind leg of a flight pattern.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-07-31 Lockheed 12 Electra Junior accident near Oshkosh, United States of America?

A twin-engine aircraft experienced a right engine power loss during the downwind leg of a flight pattern at an air show, resulting in a terrain collision.

Were there any fatalities in the 1990-07-31 Lockheed 12 Electra Junior accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-07-31 involved a Lockheed 12 Electra Junior, registration N12AT, operated by EAA Air Museum, at Oshkosh, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft collided with terrain following a loss of power in the right engine during the downwind leg of a flight pattern.

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