Narrative:The Cessna Caravan was on a reposition flight to Tampa International Airport, FL (TPA). The airplane was in cruise flight at 11,000 feet agl, 29 miles east of Cross City Airport in Florida, when suddenly with no warning or spool down time, the engine failed. The engine's gauges instantly went to zero. Upon the engine failure, the pilot declared an emergency with air traffic control and was advised that the closest airport was the Cross City Airport on a heading of 080 and 29 miles away. He turned the airplane toward the airport and went through the engine out procedures. The attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. He had the aircraft set up for best glide speed; the glide was approximately 22 miles. When the airplane was about 300 feet agl, he opened the crew door and latched it open. He slowed the airplane to just above stall speed before impacting the trees. Upon contact with the trees, he pulled back on the yoke and stalled the airplane into the trees. He was able to exit the airplane without assistance. The airplane came to rest 8.2 miles east of the Cross City Airport.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to the fracture and separation of the compressor turbine blades for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the unsuitable terrain for a forced landing."
Accident investigation:
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Investigating agency: | NTSB |
Status: | Investigation completed |
Duration: | 1 year and 8 months | Accident number: | MIA07LA140 | Download report: | Summary report
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Classification:
All engine powerloss
Forced landing outside airport
Sources:
» NTSB
» FAA
Photos
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 Mobile Downtown Airport, AL to Tampa International Airport, FL as the crow flies is 608 km (380 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.