Dual engine failure and runway excursion during descent

No fatalities • South Charleston-Mallory, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced consecutive failures of both engines during cruise flight, resulting in an emergency landing and subsequent excursion into a wooded area.

What happened

While operating at a cruise altitude of 25,000 feet, the pilot experienced a failure of the right engine. Roughly one minute after the initial failure, the left engine also ceased operation. In response to the loss of power, the pilot began a steep descent with the intention of descending below 18,000 feet. Despite efforts to restart the left engine, the crew was unable to restore power.

The pilot proceeded to land the aircraft on a runway measuring 1,900 feet in length. The aircraft came to a stop 500 feet down the runway, but the momentum caused the plane to run off the departure end of the pavement. The aircraft ultimately came to rest 300 feet beyond the runway threshold in a wooded area.

Findings

Post-accident inspections revealed that 130 gallons of fuel remained in the main tanks at the time of the incident. Laboratory testing confirmed that the fuel contained no water, and investigators found that the fuel lines were unobstructed and the fuel pumps were functional. While the right engine performed satisfactorily during subsequent test runs, investigators identified a failed torque sensor on the left engine. This specific component failure was capable of disconnecting the fuel pump driven by the left engine.

Probable cause

A malfunctioning torque sensor on the left engine caused the disconnection of the engine-driven fuel pump, leading to a dual engine failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-08-29 Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise accident near South Charleston-Mallory, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced consecutive failures of both engines during cruise flight, resulting in an emergency landing and subsequent excursion into a wooded area.

Were there any fatalities in the 1993-08-29 Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-08-29 involved a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise, registration N965MA, operated by Hokie Airco, at South Charleston-Mallory, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A malfunctioning torque sensor on the left engine caused the disconnection of the engine-driven fuel pump, leading to a dual engine failure.

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