On July 28, 1999, a Swearingen SA227 Metro III (registration SX-BGG) operated by KAL Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Rhodes-Diagoras, Greece during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft suffered a simultaneous failure of both engines for unknown reasons during its final approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A cargo flight operating from Athens crashed into the sea near Rhodes after experiencing a simultaneous loss of power in both engines.
What happened
During a cargo operation departing from Athens, an aircraft was performing its final approach toward the runway at Rhodes-Diagoras Airport. While maneuvering for landing, the aircraft experienced a simultaneous failure of both engines. This loss of propulsion led to an aerodynamic stall, causing the plane to descend into the sea approximately one kilometer before reaching the threshold of the runway.
Despite the impact with the water, the two crew members on board were successfully rescued from the wreckage. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the primary factor in the accident was a double engine failure occurring during the approach phase. The specific underlying reason for the simultaneous loss of power to both engines remains undetermined.
Probable cause
The aircraft suffered a simultaneous failure of both engines for unknown reasons during its final approach.