Engine failure leads to crash of new aircraft during test flight

No fatalities • Eglin AFB (Valparaiso), United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

A brand new aircraft intended for the Royal Thai Air Force crashed shortly after takeoff following an engine malfunction during its climb phase.

What happened

During a sequence of scheduled test flights, a newly manufactured aircraft experienced a critical mechanical issue. The flight was being conducted to prepare the plane for its eventual delivery to the Royal Thai Air Force. Shortly after departing from the runway and beginning its ascent, the aircraft suffered an engine failure.

As the plane attempted to climb, it lost necessary altitude and ultimately crashed. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were two injuries reported among the occupants, though no fatalities occurred during the accident.

Findings

The investigation into the crash determined that the primary factor was the loss of power from the engine while the aircraft was in its initial climb phase.

Probable cause

The engine failed during the initial climb following takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-05-10 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident near Eglin AFB (Valparaiso), United States of America?

A brand new aircraft intended for the Royal Thai Air Force crashed shortly after takeoff following an engine malfunction during its climb phase.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-05-10 Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-05-10 involved a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter), registration 72-1309, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Eglin AFB (Valparaiso), United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failed during the initial climb following takeoff.

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