Figure 1. ERA23FA067 accident scene.
A Piper PA-30 twin-engine airplane on approach to land experienced a total loss of power in the right engine. The pilot subsequently lost control of the airplane and it crashed, resulting in two fatalities. The investigation revealed a malfunction of the right engine fuel injection servo; the right propeller was found with the start locks engaged. This accident might have been avoided if the pilot had feathered the propeller before its rpm decreased below the critical speed, managed the airspeed properly, and landed immediately on the nearby runway. (ERA23FA067)
Figure 2. ERA19FA060 accident scene.
A Cessna 335 twin-engine airplane crashed following a partial loss of power in the left engine after takeoff. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The pilot’s failure to feather the left propeller following the partial loss of engine power resulted in negative climb performance. Had the pilot feathered the left propeller following the partial loss of engine power, it is likely that a positive rate of climb could have been attained. (ERA19FA060)
Figure 3. CEN16FA172 accident scene.
During an airline transport pilot checkride, a Cessna 310F twin-engine airplane crashed after a partial loss of power in the left engine. The pilot’s delayed feathering of the left propeller and failure to maintain airspeed led to a loss of control and subsequent crash in which the pilot was seriously injured and the designated pilot examiner was fatally injured. The left propeller’s blades were found at or near the start lock position, indicating the pilot’s failure to feather before the critical rpm. This accident might have been avoided with prompt feathering of the propeller and more effective airspeed management. (CEN16FA172)
Figure 4. ERA12FA423 accident scene.
A Piper PA-31P twin-engine airplane crashed following a loss of power in the right engine shortly after takeoff. Postaccident investigation found the right propeller in the start lock position, indicating it was not feathered before the engine speed dropped below the critical rpm, contributing to the pilot’s loss of control and the subsequent fatal impact with the ground. The investigation found that the propeller manufacturer’s recommendation to feather the propeller before its speed falls below 1,000 rpm was not in the pilot’s operating handbook, which also contributed to the accident. (ERA12FA423)
Figure 5. ERA11FA458 propeller assembly.
The pilot of a Cessna 310Q twin-engine airplane lost control and crashed following a loss of left engine power during takeoff. The pilot was fatally injured. The investigation found the left engine’s fuel supply hose B-nut had loosened, which resulted in the loss of engine power. The pilot’s delay in feathering the propeller and consequent failure to maintain airspeed caused the accident. This accident might have been avoided with prompt feathering of the propeller and proper airspeed management. (ERA11FA458)
