Investigation Summary
During the initial climb from La Aurora Airport, the number one (left) engine experienced a failure. Investigation sources attribute this to oil exhaustion resulting from a high-pressure oil hose that was not correctly reconnected during recent maintenance. While some secondary records mention a hydraulic leak, the primary probable cause identifies the oil-high pressure hose and engine cylinders as the components improperly serviced. The crew declared an emergency and attempted to return to the airport, but the feathering mechanism for the left propeller failed to operate. With the windmilling propeller creating excessive drag and making the aircraft unstable, the captain opted for a belly landing in an open field near the airport. The aircraft slid for several dozen meters and was destroyed, but all 28 people on board evacuated safely.
Final Conclusions
The accident was caused by improper maintenance procedures. Specifically, the number one engine cylinders and the high-pressure oil hose were not correctly reconnected, leading to oil exhaustion and subsequent engine failure. The inability to feather the propeller further compounded the emergency, necessitating a forced landing.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Number 1 Engine
The left-hand engine which failed due to oil exhaustion caused by improperly secured high-pressure hoses.
Propeller Feathering System
A system designed to turn propeller blades parallel to the airflow to reduce drag after an engine failure; in this instance, the system failed to operate.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a Convair CV-440 manufactured in 1954 (MSN 143).
- 02The number one engine failed because a high-pressure oil hose and engine cylinders were not correctly reconnected after maintenance.
- 03The propeller could not be feathered following the engine failure, causing significant drag and instability.
- 04The captain performed a forced belly landing in an open field near the airport.
- 05The aircraft was written off as a total loss, but there were zero fatalities among the 28 souls on board.