The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released its accident report on a charter jet incident that occurred in Ohio earlier this year. The report provides details about the incident, which involved a small jet that crashed on takeoff from a local airport.
Background
The incident happened on February 28, 2021, at around 10:50 a.m. local time. The charter jet, a Cessna Citation 501SP, was en route to Akron Fulton International Airport in Ohio from Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland. The two pilots and two passengers were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident.
According to the FAA report, the aircraft was attempting to take off from the runway at Burke Lakefront Airport when the pilots reported a loss of engine power. The pilots attempted to abort the takeoff, but the aircraft was unable to stop before the end of the runway and crashed through a fence and into a nearby ditch.
Injuries and Damage
All four people on board the aircraft were injured in the incident, with the two pilots sustaining serious injuries. The passengers suffered minor injuries. The aircraft sustained significant damage, with the fuselage and wings both being heavily damaged in the crash.
The FAA report notes that the aircraft was destroyed in the incident, with the cost of the damage estimated to be in excess of $1 million.
Cause of the Incident
According to the FAA report, the cause of the incident was a loss of engine power due to a fuel system malfunction. The report notes that the left engine of the aircraft experienced a total loss of power during takeoff, while the right engine continued to operate normally.
The report states that the fuel system malfunction was likely caused by a blockage in the fuel line, which prevented fuel from reaching the left engine. The report notes that the blockage was likely caused by debris or contamination in the fuel system.
FAA Findings and Recommendations
The FAA report includes a number of findings and recommendations related to the incident. The findings include:
- The fuel system malfunction was the probable cause of the incident
- The pilots’ decision to abort the takeoff was appropriate
- The aircraft’s brakes and tires were not damaged during the incident
- The pilots’ actions during the emergency were effective in minimizing the damage to the aircraft and avoiding a more serious outcome
The report also includes a number of recommendations, including:
- Improving the inspection and maintenance procedures for the aircraft’s fuel system
- Requiring pilots to undergo additional training on emergency procedures and decision-making
- Developing and implementing a safety management system for the charter operator involved in the incident
Conclusion
The FAA accident report provides important details about the Ohio charter jet incident, including the cause of the incident and a number of findings and recommendations related to the incident. The report highlights the importance of proper inspection and maintenance procedures for aircraft, as well as the need for effective emergency procedures and decision-making by pilots in the event of an incident or emergency.