Synopsis
On October 19, 2021, at approximately 09:47 local time, a Diamond Aircraft DA-40, registration 9Y-TJU, operated by Aerial World Services Limited (AWSL), landed short of the airfield about one mile northwest of the threshold to Piarco International Airport, Runway 10. The aircraft was conducting student pilot training under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC). During a left downwind leg, the engine did not respond to throttle inputs. The flight instructor took control, turned toward the runway, and due to insufficient altitude, executed an emergency landing in agricultural land northwest of the runway threshold. Upon touchdown, the aircraft struck the southern bank of the Oropune River and came to rest on the northern bank. The aircraft sustained severe damage, and both the instructor and student received minor injuries.
History of the Flight
The flight originated from AWSL’s facility in Camden, Couva, approximately ten miles south of Piarco. Since the Camden airfield is not approved for student takeoffs or landings, training was conducted at Piarco. The aircraft was airborne for about 32 minutes, including the flight from Camden to Piarco, one touch-and-go landing, a crosswind leg, and part of a downwind leg. The instructor had completed one previous flight with the same aircraft with no engine issues.
Damage to the Aircraft
The hull sustained significant damage, including dislocation of the main undercarriage, nose gear broken at attachment points, and near-complete separation of the tail from the aircraft.
Personnel Information
Both the instructor and student were administered drug and alcohol tests, which returned negative results. The instructor held a Trinidad and Tobago Commercial Pilot’s License with a Flight Instructor Rating and a type rating on the ATR42/72, with 814 hours of instruction experience, over 500 of which were on the DA-40. The student held a Student Pilot’s License with approximately 21 hours on the DA-40.
Aircraft Information
The Diamond DA-40 is a four-seat, single-engine, low-wing aircraft with a fixed tricycle landing gear, constructed from composite materials. 9Y-TJU was manufactured in Canada in 2004 (serial number 40.402) and had a total airframe time of 5,997.2 hours. The engine, a Lycoming IO-360-M1A, and propeller were installed on April 30, 2021. The aircraft had three controls: throttle, mixture, and propeller pitch. Maintenance records were reviewed by the TTCAA and found to be satisfactory. On May 24, 2021, the engine had cut off while exiting the runway at Piarco, after which the idle was adjusted from 750 to 800 RPM. The aircraft then operated for 221.5 hours without reported engine defects until the accident.
Meteorological Information
At Piarco, weather conditions included calm wind, few clouds at 1,800 feet, visibility greater than 10 statute miles, and temperature 28/24°C. Similar conditions prevailed between Camden and Piarco.
Communications
Transcripts of radio communications show that at 09:37, the student contacted Piarco Tower for touch-and-go landings. At 09:44, the student reported left downwind. At 09:46, the instructor declared a mayday, stating they might not reach the field and intended to land northwest of Piarco. The instructor acknowledged assistance was required. No further communications were received after 09:47.
Tests and Research
The engine was shipped to Airmark Overhaul, Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, USA, for teardown. The fuel servo was sent to Precision Airmotive LLC in Arlington, Washington. Precision Airmotive’s analysis indicated that the fuel servo passed flow sheet requirements, but the idle mixture was set high.
Analysis
Both the instructor and student recalled unsuccessfully attempting to increase engine power. Inspection of the wreckage confirmed that the throttle cable mechanism functioned correctly. Another possible cause of the unresponsive engine was a malfunctioning throttle servo. The aircraft had no prior power control issues. The instructor handled the emergency according to the Aircraft Flight Manual Emergency Procedures.