Date & Time:
Feb 22, 1991 at 1519 LT
Type of aircraft:
Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise
Operator:
Corporate Aviation Services
Registration:
N274MA
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Test
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Tulsa - Tulsa
MSN:
786
YOM:
1980
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
2
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
1
Other fatalities:
0
Total fatalities:
3
Captain / Total hours on type:
445
Aircraft flight hours:
6094
Circumstances:
Airplane was departing on a required maintenance test flight following replacement of both engines. Witnesses stated that the takeoff roll and initial climb appeared normal, but that at about 500 feet agl, the airplane entered a right bank which continued until the wings were vertical and the nose fell through. Airplane impacted in an inverted steep nose down attitude. Examination of wreckage revealed that the right engine had been secured and feathered. Subsequent investigation did not reveal any evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction of either engine or any of the airframe systems. Engine mounting/rigging continuity could not be established due to impact damage. The pilot was a principal in the operator's organization and not one of the regular line pilots. Evidence indicated that the gear was up and that the left spoiler was deployed at impact. Emerg procedure taught in transition training is to use rudder trim as soon as possible after engine failure to preclude deployment of spoilers. Rudder trim found in neutral position. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The shutdown of one engine for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain VMCA during a critical phase of flight. A factor in the accident was the pilot's improper emergency procedure.
Final Report:
N274MA.pdf89.9 KB
