Incident Overview
Date: Wednesday 20 July 1988
Aircraft Type: Douglas C-118A (DC-6)
Owner/operator: TACA International Airlines
Registration Number: N33VX
Location: Golden Meadow, LA –
ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 3
Component Affected: Fourth engine nacelleFourth engine nacelle
Investigating Agency: NTSBNTSB
Category: Accident
A twin-engine aircraft experienced a catastrophic failure during a flight of approximately four hours, resulting in loss of power to all three engines. The aircraft subsequently struck a levee, ground contact, and a drainage ditch during an emergency landing. Fuel loss was attributed to an open drain valve within the fourth engine nacelle. The incident was likely caused by a combination of factors including low visibility, difficult terrain, and a specific combination of environmental conditions.A twin-engine aircraft experienced a catastrophic failure during a flight of approximately four hours, resulting in loss of power to all three engines. The aircraft subsequently struck a levee, ground contact, and a drainage ditch during an emergency landing. Fuel loss was attributed to an open drain valve within the fourth engine nacelle. The incident was likely caused by a combination of factors including low visibility, difficult terrain, and a specific combination of environmental conditions.
Description
After a 4,3 hour flight (with fuel for 7 hours on board) the no. 1, 2 and 3 engines lost power. During an emergency landing, the landing gear struck a levee, the wing hit the ground and the aircraft struck a drainage ditch. Fuel was lost due to an open drain valve inside the no. 4 engine nacelle. PROBABLE CAUSE: “Fluid,fuel .. exhaustion CONTRIBUTING FACTORS: Light condition .. dusk Terrain condition .. dirt bank/rising embankment Terrain condition .. water”
Source of Information
https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uLMmAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ygEGAAAAIBAJ&dq=new%20orleans%20plane&pg=1632%2C5898714https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uLMmAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ygEGAAAAIBAJ&dq=new%20orleans%20plane&pg=1632%2C5898714Primary Cause
Open drain valve malfunction within the fourth engine nacelle leading to fuel loss.Open drain valve malfunction within the fourth engine nacelle leading to fuel loss.Share on:
