Narrative:
The aircraft climbed to 400 feet after a runway 08 takeoff. The no. 1 engine backfired and the angle of left bank increased from 30 to 60deg., while descending to 300 feet. The left wing then dropped down 90deg and the nose pitched down to a near vertical descent. The DC-3 leveled out after regaining airspeed, but encountered a secondary stall.
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The pilot in command's failure to maintain airspeed (Vs) after a partial loss of engine power on the left engine due to failure of the no. 8 engine assembly cylinder. This resulted in an in flight loss of control (stall), and in flight collision with terrain."
» Flight International
» ICAO Adrep Summary 4/94 (#92)
» Scramble Vol.13, nr.03
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Friday 10 May 1991 |
| Time: | 11:20 |
| Type: |  Douglas R4D-7 (DC-3) |
| Operator: | Four Star Air Cargo |
| Registration: | N134FS |
| MSN: | 33299/16551 |
| First flight: | 1945 |
| Engines: | 2 Pratt & Whitney R-1830-90D |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | Aguadilla-Borinquen Airport (BQN) ( Puerto Rico)
|
| Phase: | Initial climb (ICL) |
| Nature: | Cargo |
| Departure airport: | Aguadilla-Borinquen Airport (BQN/TJBQ), Puerto Rico |
| Ponce-Mercedita Airport (PSE/TJPS), Puerto Rico |
The aircraft climbed to 400 feet after a runway 08 takeoff. The no. 1 engine backfired and the angle of left bank increased from 30 to 60deg., while descending to 300 feet. The left wing then dropped down 90deg and the nose pitched down to a near vertical descent. The DC-3 leveled out after regaining airspeed, but encountered a secondary stall.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The pilot in command's failure to maintain airspeed (Vs) after a partial loss of engine power on the left engine due to failure of the no. 8 engine assembly cylinder. This resulted in an in flight loss of control (stall), and in flight collision with terrain."
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Classification:
Loss of control
Sources:
» Air International» Flight International
» ICAO Adrep Summary 4/94 (#92)
» Scramble Vol.13, nr.03
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Aguadilla-Borinquen Airport to Ponce-Mercedita Airport as the crow flies is 80 km (50 miles).
Distance from Aguadilla-Borinquen Airport to Ponce-Mercedita Airport as the crow flies is 80 km (50 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
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