No fatalities

1993-08-29: Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise (N965MA) — Hokie Airco — South Charleston-Mallory, United States of America

South Charleston-Mallory, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On August 29, 1993, a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise (registration N965MA) operated by Hokie Airco was involved in an aviation accident near South Charleston-Mallory, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper emergency procedures by the pilot which resulted in the shutdown of an operative engine, following a power loss due to a failed torque sensor in the other engine, which resulted in a total power loss approach, landing, and overrun. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781209691Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported sequential engine failures during cruise at 25,000 feet, leading to a steep descent, unsuccessful restart attempts, and a landing that ended in an overrun into woods. Investigation found a failed torque sensor on the left engine.

Incident Summary

A pilot was operating an airplane in cruise at an altitude of 25,000 feet when the right engine experienced a failure. According to the pilot's report, the left engine failed approximately one minute later. In response, the pilot initiated a steep descent to get below 18,000 feet. Attempts to restart the left engine were unsuccessful. The pilot subsequently landed on a runway, touching down 500 feet past the runway threshold on a 1,900-foot-long runway. The airplane continued beyond the departure end of the runway, traveling 300 feet into a wooded area before stopping.

Investigation Findings

Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that there were 130 gallons of fuel onboard in the main tanks. Laboratory testing showed the fuel to be free of water contamination. The fuel lines were unobstructed, and the fuel pumps were found to be functional. Investigation of the left engine identified a failed torque sensor. The failure of this sensor would disconnect the left engine-driven fuel pump. The right engine was test-run satisfactorily and operated without issue.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause of the accident was improper emergency procedures by the pilot that resulted in the shutdown of an operative engine, following a power loss due to a failed torque sensor in the other engine, which resulted in a total power loss approach, landing, and overrun.