Engine failure and crash during ILS approach

3 fatalities • Boston-Logan, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced an engine over-torque condition during an approach, leading to a loss of altitude and a fatal crash into residential buildings.

What happened

During an ILS approach, the pilot detected an over-torque condition affecting the left engine. In response to the mechanical issue, the pilot executed a go-around and attempted a second approach with the left engine shut down. During this subsequent maneuver, the aircraft was unable to sustain its altitude and entered an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft eventually impacted two residential houses located roughly 6 miles from the airport. The accident resulted in three fatalities.

Findings

Post-accident inspections of the left engine identified that the drive shaft connecting the fuel control to the fuel pump had sheared at the plastic coupling. Investigations further determined that the twin bearings responsible for supporting the drive shaft had failed. This bearing failure caused the drive shaft to shift, which ultimately triggered the over-torque condition observed by the pilot during the initial approach.

Probable cause

The failure of the twin bearings supporting the engine drive shaft caused the shaft to shift, leading to an over-torque condition and subsequent engine malfunction.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-08-24 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident near Boston-Logan, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced an engine over-torque condition during an approach, leading to a loss of altitude and a fatal crash into residential buildings.

Were there any fatalities in the 1990-08-24 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-08-24 involved a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne, registration N85HB, operated by Michael D. Spear, at Boston-Logan, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the twin bearings supporting the engine drive shaft caused the shaft to shift, leading to an over-torque condition and subsequent engine malfunction.

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