Incident Overview
A cargo flight en route from Las Vegas to Phoenix experienced a critical loss of power on final approach to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Both engines ceased operating, prompting the crew to initiate an emergency landing procedure. However, the aircraft lost altitude and impacted the ground before reaching the runway threshold.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained damage beyond economical repair, resulting in a total loss. Both pilots on board suffered serious injuries in the crash.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be a controlled collision with terrain during final approach, following the airplane's encounter with vortex turbulence. Several contributing factors were identified: fuel starvation, failure of both engines, a forced off-airport landing on land, and violent wing rocking during final approach that uncovered fuel sump pickups, allowing air to enter the fuel lines.