What happened
On November 6, 2020, a Pilatus PC-12, registration N400PW, was forced to ditch in the Pacific Ocean approximately 1,000 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii. The aircraft was operating as a Part 91 ferry flight, traveling from California to Australia. The flight involved a temporary internal fuel system designed to extend the aircraft's range for the transoceanic leg.
During the flight, while cruising at flight level 280, the crew was managing the transfer of fuel from the auxiliary tanks to the main fuel line. After the co-pilot turned off the transfer pumps once the rear tank was depleted, the engine experienced a surge and subsequent flameout. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, but the first attempt failed to maintain power, and a second attempt resulted in loud grinding noises and a bang, accompanied by an EPECS FAIL warning.
Following the loss of engine power, the crew descended to approximately 8,000 feet and prepared for an emergency water landing. The pilot performed a gear-up ditching into 5 to 10-foot swells. Although the aircraft remained afloat initially, it sustained substantial damage. The two pilots successfully evacuated into a life raft and endured approximately 22 hours at sea before being rescued by the crew of the container ship M/V Horizon Reliance.
Findings
- The engine flameout occurred shortly after the crew deactivated the auxiliary fuel transfer pumps.
- The engine failed to restart following a mechanical failure indicated by grinding sounds and a loud bang.
- The aircraft was equipped with a newly designed Pratt and Whitney PT6E-67XP engine featuring an Engine and Propeller Electronic Control System.