Reported Engine Problem Before Hard Landing At NQA

For the first time in over a year, there's been an accident involving a Mitsubishi MU-2 turboprop aircraft.

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports the pilot of an MU-2 (similar to type shown at right and below) radioed the tower at the Millington Regional Jetport (NQA) north of Memphis, TN just before 11 am, reporting engine trouble. The pilot initially said he would shoot for an emergency landing on US Highway 51, west of the airfield... but later realized he could make the airport.

Based on reported information, the aircraft landed hard near the end of runway 4. The plane skated sideways off the pavement, plowing through grass and a chain link fence before coming to rest over 100 yards distant. The plane's left wing broke inboard of the engine nacelle, bending downward and causing the engine's propeller to cut into the fuselage.

Compounding the problem was the fact the pilot, who was injured in the crash, had problems shutting that engine down. It took several firefighters, spraying foam into the nacelle, to bring the turbine to a halt.

Paramedics were then able to extract the pilot, carrying him on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance. His condition is unknown at this time.

Based on news reports, it's not clear whether the plane was departing the airfield or landing when the emergency occurred. However, online flight tracking information shows an IFR flight plan filed for the accident aircraft, N452MA, showing a departure time from NQA of 0940 CST, with the flight terminating two minutes later.

According to data from the National Transportation Safety Board, the high-performance MU-2 has been involved in 19 accidents since 2003, with 12 of those resulting in fatalities. The high rate of fatal crashes in a comparatively short timeframe prompted calls for the plane to be grounded, with Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo among the most vocal opponents of the plane.

The FAA responded by calling for comments from MU-2 owners and operators, to determine the best course of action. That resulted in the January 2008 issuance of a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) calling for new pilot training, experience, and operating requirements for the speedy aircraft, with a particular focus on emergency procedures training, slow flight and one-engine-out operations.

Prior to Tuesday's accident, there had been no reported incidents involving the MU-2 since the SFAR was issued.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov, http://mu-2aircraft.com/