1990-03-15: Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) — Top Flight Air Service — Lake Butler, United States of America

No fatalities • Lake Butler, United States of America • Flight

Probable cause

Inflight failure of the left engine which was caused by inadequate maintenance and inspection by company maintenance personnel resulting in heat damaged magneto leads as a result of a missing exhaust flange-to-turbocharger seal. In addition, the inflight power loss of the right engine was caused by the pilot's failure to follow the procedures in the airplane operating handbook and land as soon as possible resulting in fuel starvation of the right engine. Darkness was a related factor.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

Shortly after leveling off at 14,000 feet the left engine quit. The pilot diverted to Tampa, and 34 minutes later the right engine quit. During the subsequent forced landing the airplane collided with the roof of a covered sidewalk and then trees. Teardown of the left engine revealed that the seal between the exhaust flange and turbocharger was not installed; bolt clamp was finger tight. Heat had melted wiring harness and magneto grounding leads insulation; both 'p' leads were grounded. Pilot stated that after losing the left engine he initiated a left tank to right engine crossfeed, and after 20 minutes of single engine flight in this configuration the right engine quit. Flight manual states to land as soon as possible in case of one engine failure. In addition, it warns that when flying on one engine and cross feeding fuel, absolute coordinated flight must be maintained to prevent unporting of the tank's fuel pickup tube when the tank is not full.

Probable cause (official findings): Inflight failure of the left engine which was caused by inadequate maintenance and inspection by company maintenance personnel resulting in heat damaged magneto leads as a result of a missing exhaust flange-to-turbocharger seal. In addition, the inflight power loss of the right engine was caused by the pilot's failure to follow the procedures in the airplane operating handbook and land as soon as possible resulting in fuel starvation of the right engine. Darkness was a related factor.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-03-15 Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) accident near Lake Butler, United States of America?

Shortly after leveling off at 14,000 feet the left engine quit. The pilot diverted to Tampa, and 34 minutes later the right engine quit. During the subsequent forced landing the airplane collided with the roof of a covered sidewalk and then trees. Teardown of the left engine revealed that the seal between the exhaust…

Were there any fatalities in the 1990-03-15 Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-03-15 involved a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601), registration N7443S, operated by Top Flight Air Service, at Lake Butler, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Inflight failure of the left engine which was caused by inadequate maintenance and inspection by company maintenance personnel resulting in heat damaged magneto leads as a result of a missing exhaust flange-to-turbocharger seal. In addition, the inflight power loss of the right engine was caused by the pilot's…

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