On February 10, 2001, a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise (registration PT-LEW) operated by Heringer Taxi Aéreo was involved in an aviation accident near Macapá, Brazil during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the second stage of the high pressure compressor disk in the left engine. Investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of this failure, possibly following fatigue cracks or a construction defect. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
On final approach to Macapá Airport, a left engine explosion and fire led to a crash landing. All five occupants escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was destroyed. Investigation identified failure of the high pressure compressor disk.
Incident Details
During the final approach to Macapá Airport, the left engine of the aircraft exploded and caught fire. The aircraft subsequently lost height, descended below the glideslope, and crash-landed in a grassy area to the right of the runway. After coming to rest, the aircraft burst into flames. All five occupants escaped the aircraft uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a failure of the second stage of the high pressure compressor disk in the left engine. Investigators were unable to pinpoint the exact reason for this failure, citing possibilities such as fatigue cracks or a construction defect. It was noted that the left engine had accumulated 3,000 flying hours since its last compressor overhaul.