Investigation Summary
The flight was a charter operation intended to transport Airtours crew members to Aberdeen. Investigation by the AAIB revealed that the left engine (Continental GTSIO-520) experienced a complete loss of power due to a failure in the accessory gear train. In the high-stress environment of the initial climb, approximately 200 to 500 feet above ground level, the commander misidentified the failed engine. He feathered the right propeller, which was attached to the only engine still capable of producing power. This error resulted in a total loss of thrust. The aircraft was also found to be slightly over its maximum permitted takeoff weight, estimated between 8,320 and 8,600 lb against a limit of 8,400 lb. The combination of total thrust loss and the decision to attempt a low-altitude turn back to the airfield led to a stall and subsequent impact. A post-crash fire destroyed the cabin, though three survivors were rescued by a local farm worker before the flames became unsurmountable.
Final Conclusions
The AAIB Final Report (2/2001) concluded the accident was caused by the failure to feather the propeller of the failed left engine, the mistaken feathering of the functioning right engine, and the subsequent loss of control during an attempted return to the airfield. The left engine failure was traced to a catastrophic failure of the accessory gear train.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
John Easson, 48. Also Managing Director of Edinburgh Air Charter. Official AAIB records cite 173 hours on type.
First Officer
Bill Henderson, 54.
Systems & Failure Modes
Continental GTSIO-520 Engines
The aircraft was powered by two geared, turbocharged, fuel-injected engines. The left engine's accessory gear train failed, causing the loss of power.
Propeller Feathering System
A system designed to turn propeller blades edge-on to the airflow to reduce drag after an engine failure. The pilot incorrectly applied this to the functioning engine.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was slightly overweight, estimated up to 200 lb over the 8,400 lb limit.
- 02The left engine failure was caused by a failure of the accessory gear train leading to a progressive but complete loss of power.
- 03The pilot feathered the functioning right engine instead of the failed left engine.
- 04Three passengers survived the impact and were rescued by a nearby farm worker before the fire intensified.
- 05The flight was carrying Airtours staff who were positioning to operate a Boeing 757 flight from Aberdeen to Palma.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Airworthiness Directive (CAA)
The British Civil Aviation Authority issued a directive in June 2000 requiring mandatory inspections of starter adapters and crankshaft gears on Continental GTSIO-520 series engines.
Equipment Recommendations
The AAIB recommended that aircraft of this type be fitted with Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVRs) and more crash-worthy seating to improve accident survivability and investigation.