Fuel Pump Seized Up, Aircraft Failed To Make Runway

The Australian Transportation Safety Board said an engine-driven fuel pump aboard a Cessna 404 failed shortly after the aircraft took off from Perth in 2003. The pump had been recently maintained -- but with non-standard parts, according to the report.

Two people were killed and four others, including the pilot, were injured in the August 11th, 2003, mishap. The aircraft had just departed Jandakot Airport when the right engine failed. The pilot attempted to return to the runway, but impacted the ground just short, crashing in a fireball that immediately killed one passenger and led to another's death almost three months later.

The ATSB report said:

"In challenging circumstances and with high voltage power lines crossing the aircraft's path 2,400 meters beyond the runway, the pilot turned the aircraft back to the aerodrome for an emergency landing.

"During the maneuvering, the pilot was unable to prevent the aircraft descending towards trees and scrub-type terrain where it crashed and caught fire. Fuel from the ruptured wing tanks fed the fire."

What caused the right engine to fail? Investigators traced the failure to a non-standard part installed in the engine's fuel pump.

"That material selection had the unintended consequence of increasing the likelihood of bearing seizure," the report said. The ATSB said the power setting of the left engine at the time, along with the pilot's attempt to return to the landing strip, contributed to the accident.

FMI: www.atsb.gov.au