No fatalities

2004-02-18: Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (C-GPTE) — Quickway Air Services — Kahului, United States of America

Kahului, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 18, 2004, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration C-GPTE) operated by Quickway Air Services was involved in an aviation accident near Kahului, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering for landing on one engine, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. The loss of power in one engine for undetermined reasons was a factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781200508Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft stalled and collided with terrain during an emergency landing after a right engine failure. The pilot was on a ferry flight when the engine lost power about 300 miles from land. Post-accident examination could not determine the cause of the power loss.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft was on an intermediate leg of a ferry trip when, approximately 300 miles from land, the fuel flow and boost pump lights illuminated. Shortly thereafter, the right engine failed. The pilot turned back toward the nearest airport to conduct an emergency landing.

As the aircraft approached the runway, about 200 yards from the threshold, it stalled. The right wing dropped, and the airplane collided with terrain short of the runway. The impact occurred at a location 200 yards from the runway.

Aircraft and Fuel System Modifications

Several months before the accident, the aircraft's fuel system had been modified to accommodate a ferry fuel tank installation. No other modifications were noted.

Investigation Findings

A post-accident examination of the airplane was conducted. Investigators were unable to identify a specific reason for the loss of engine power. The fuel system was inspected, but no anomalies were found that could explain the failure.

The official probable cause determined that the pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for landing on one engine, resulting in an inadvertent stall. The loss of power in one engine for undetermined reasons was listed as a contributing factor.