Accident description
Last updated: 22 May 2013
| Status: | Final |
| Date: | 14 JUL 1990 |
| Time: | 16:27 |
| Type: | Lockheed L-188CF Electra |
| Operator: | TPI International Airways |
| Registration: | N4465F |
| C/n / msn: | 1096 |
| First flight: | 1959 |
| Engines: | 4 Allison 501-D13 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3 |
| Airplane damage: | Written off |
| Airplane fate: | Written off (damaged beyond repair) |
| Location: | Aruba-Reina Beatrix Airport (AUA) (Aruba)
 |
| Phase: | En route (ENR) |
| Nature: | Cargo |
| Departure airport: | Aruba-Reina Beatrix Airport (AUA/TNCA), Aruba |
| Panama City-Tocumen International Airport (PTY/MPTO), Panama |
The no. 3 propeller gearbox failed, causing the prop to separate. A broken propeller blade struck the no. 4 propeller, which also separated. A propeller then crossed under the aircraft slicing through the fuselage, cables, hydraulics and pressure vessel, damaging the no. 2 engine.
The no. 2, 3 and 4 engines were shut down. An emergency landing was carried out at Aruba with no brakes, 10deg flaps and limited flight controls.
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The in-flight loss of the nos 3 and 4 propellers and gearboxes for undetermined reasons. The failed components were not recovered from the Caribbean sea." Sources:
» ICAO Adrep Summary 3/94 (#79)
» NTSB
» Scramble Vol.12, nr. 05
Photos
N4465F operating for Spirit of America, one of the previous operators
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Aruba-Reina Beatrix Airport to Panama City-Tocumen International Airport as the crow flies is 1086 km (679 miles).
Distance from Aruba-Reina Beatrix Airport to Panama City-Tocumen International Airport as the crow flies is 1086 km (679 miles).
