What happened
During a repatriation flight traveling from Kinshasa, Zaire, to the United States, an aircraft experienced a series of critical mechanical failures. While the flight was operating the segment between Biggin Hill and Reykjavik, the crew encountered an issue with the left engine as they approached the coast of Iceland. In response to the engine failure, the crew declared an emergency and received clearance to divert to Vestmannaeyjar Airport.
As the aircraft was performing a holding pattern to prepare for landing, the right engine also ceased functioning. This secondary failure resulted in a total loss of power, causing the crew to lose control of the aircraft type. The plane subsequently impacted the sea a few kilometers away from the shore. There were two fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.
Findings
- The aircraft suffered a total loss of engine power during the approach phase.
- The sequence of events involved an initial failure of the left engine followed by the failure of the right engine while circling for landing.