13) VMC ROLL OVER, U-FIT

Cessna 402-B | N4167G

July 11th, 2024 | Aguadill, Peurto Rico

Accident Location

  • City: Aguadill
  • State: Peurto Rico
  • Latitude: 18.505987
  • Longitude: -67.112265
  • Airport ID: TJBQ

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N4167G
  • Make: Cessna
  • Model: 402-B
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Multi Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name:
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age:
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Unknown
  • IFR Rating: Unknown
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: Unknown
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: July 11th, 2024
  • Time: 9:25 AM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Initial Climb
  • Total People Onboard: 1
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 0
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 1
  • NTSB No: ERA24FA301
  • NTSB Travel: Unknown
  • AQP Classification: 13) VMC ROLL OVER, U-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the pilot elected to takeoff with minimum fuel on board, and likely became confused which fuel was considered main, and which would be axillary. On this aircraft, the tip tanks are considered to be main, which is opposite of most other piston twin engine aircraft. The pilot took off on runway 08 and proceeded to turn left, and eventually did request to land for a vibration problem. The pilot declared an emergency for engine failure and the aircraft was observed flying with one engine at high power, the other more silent, and the plane flying somewhat sideways. The aircraft eventually rolled inverted and impacted due to attempted flight below Vmc with one engine not feathered, and the other at near full power.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all twin engine aircraft rehearse and become conditioned in the proper handling of asymmetric thrust situations in flight, and be fully prepared to respond properly. The DTSB also recommends that all pilots plan to land with a minimum of one hour fuel for both day and night VFR operations. The DTSB also recommends that all pilots have a means of manually checking fuel quantities in each tank prior to each takeoff.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.