Engine failure and terrain collision during emergency landing

No fatalities • Kahului, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a right engine failure and subsequently struck the ground short of a runway during an emergency approach.

What happened

While performing an intermediate leg of a ferry flight, the aircraft experienced a series of mechanical issues approximately 300 miles from the coastline. The crew first observed the activation of the boost pump and fuel flow warning lights. Shortly thereafter, the right engine ceased functioning.

In response to the loss of power, the pilot attempted an emergency landing at the closest available airfield. As the aircraft approached the runway, it reached a critical state approximately 200 yards from the threshold. During this final approach, the aircraft entered a stall, causing the right wing to drop and resulting in a collision with the terrain.

Findings

Investigations revealed that the aircraft's fuel system had undergone modifications a few months before the incident to accommodate the installation of a ferry fuel tank. Despite this, a post-accident inspection of the engine and fuel systems failed to identify a specific reason for the initial loss of power.

Probable cause

The specific cause of the engine power loss could not be determined following the examination of the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-02-18 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Kahului, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced a right engine failure and subsequently struck the ground short of a runway during an emergency approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 2004-02-18 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-02-18 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration C-GPTE, operated by Quickway Air Services, at Kahului, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The specific cause of the engine power loss could not be determined following the examination of the aircraft.

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