Engine component failure leads to fatal aircraft accident

1 fatality • Rapid City, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

A single fatality and three injuries occurred when an aircraft experienced an engine failure and subsequent roll shortly after takeoff.

What happened

Following takeoff, the aircraft entered a steep, nose-high attitude while maintaining low airspeed. According to eyewitness accounts, the plane reached an altitude between 7 following 75 and 100 feet before losing speed and entering a VMC roll. The aircraft subsequently crashed to the ground left of the runway in an inverted, nose-down position.

As a result of the accident, there was one fatality and three injuries, with one individual sustaining serious harm.

Findings

An investigation into the mechanical failure determined that a coupling shaft (PN 865888-3) within the left engine had failed. This failure caused the left propeller to feather during the flight. A metallurgical analysis of the shaft revealed that fatigue was the primary reason for the component's failure.

Probable cause

The failure of an engine coupling shaft due to fatigue caused the left propeller to feather, leading to a loss of control during the initial climb.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-02-09 Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise accident near Rapid City, United States of America?

A single fatality and three injuries occurred when an aircraft experienced an engine failure and subsequent roll shortly after takeoff.

Were there any fatalities in the 1990-02-09 Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-02-09 involved a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise, registration N64MD, operated by Aeromedical Services, at Rapid City, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of an engine coupling shaft due to fatigue caused the left propeller to feather, leading to a loss of control during the initial climb.

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