Incident Overview

Date: Monday 30 June 1997
Aircraft Type: Convair CV-240-53
Owner/operator: Silver Express
Registration Number: N344MM
Location: San Juan-Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) – ÿ Puerto Rico
Phase of Flight: Initial climb
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3
Component Affected: Left engineLeft engine
Investigating Agency: NTSBNTSB
Category: Accident
A CV-240 aircraft experienced a loss of power during ascent, resulting in a collision with a palm tree and subsequent landing on the beach. The pilot initiated a ‘dry’ thrust maneuver, but the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude, leading to the incident.A CV-240 aircraft experienced a loss of power during ascent, resulting in a collision with a palm tree and subsequent landing on the beach. The pilot initiated a ‘dry’ thrust maneuver, but the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude, leading to the incident.

Description

After departing from runway 08, the CV-240 climbed to 400 feet agl where the left engine lost power. After confirming a loss of power, the pilot feathered the left propeller, and called for maximum “dry” thrust on the right engine. Wet power was available which would have provided 450 additional horsepower, however, the pilot elected not to use it. The airplane was unable to maintain altitude, collided with a palm tree, and came to rest on the beach in the surf line. The reason for the left engine malfunction was not determined due to salt water damage. The airplane was 600 pounds over maximum weight. PROBABLE CAUSE: “A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, the pilot’s improper emergency procedure after the power loss, and the overloading of the airplane, resulting in an inability to maintain altitude and terrain clearance.”

Primary Cause

Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, pilot’s improper emergency procedure after the power loss, and the airplane’s overloading, resulting in an inability to maintain altitude and terrain clearance.Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, pilot’s improper emergency procedure after the power loss, and the airplane’s overloading, resulting in an inability to maintain altitude and terrain clearance.

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