On April 5, 1990, a Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation (registration HI-515CT) operated by AMSA - Aerolineas Mundo SA was involved in an aviation accident near Levittown, Puerto Rico in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fire of an undetermined origin that resulted in a loss of power in two engines during a three engine ferry flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
The captain of a three-engine ferry flight took off without authorization. During climb, the number two engine caught fire and could not be extinguished. The number one engine failed during descent, leading to an intentional ditching. The pilot received fatal injuries.
Incident Overview
The captain of an aircraft elected to conduct a takeoff on a three-engine ferry flight without required authorization. During the climb-out with the number three propeller feathered, the number two engine experienced a fire that the pilot could not extinguish. Attempting to return, the pilot encountered a failure of the number one engine during descent. Subsequently, the pilot intentionally ditched the aircraft in the ocean. The pilot received fatal injuries. The aircraft was not recovered from the ocean, and no determination of cause could be ascertained.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was determined to be a fire of an undetermined origin that resulted in a loss of power in two engines during a three-engine ferry flight. Factors related to the accident were the failure of the pilot to obtain the required authorization for the three-engine ferry flight and his operation of the aircraft with known deficiencies.
What happened in the 5 Apr 1990 Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation accident near Levittown, Puerto Rico?
The captain of a three-engine ferry flight took off without authorization. During climb, the number two engine caught fire and could not be extinguished. The number one engine failed during descent, leading to an intentional ditching. The pilot received fatal injuries.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Apr 1990 Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Apr 1990 involved a Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation, registration HI-515CT, operated by AMSA - Aerolineas Mundo SA, at Levittown, Puerto Rico.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Fire of an undetermined origin that resulted in a loss of power in two engines during a three engine ferry flight. Factors related to the accident were: failure of the pilot to obtain the required authorization for the three engine ferry flight, and his operation of the aircraft with known deficiencies.
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