Cessna 402C Safety Record

the in-flight failure of the right engine and the pilot’s failure to adequately manage the airplane’s performance after the engine failed. The right engine failure resulted from inadequate maintenance that was performed by Air Sunshine’s maintenance personnel during undocumented maintenance. Contributing to the passenger fatalities was the pilot’s failure to provide an emergency briefing after the right engine failed.

The inadequate annual inspection of the airplane by other maintenance personnel for failure to note an incorrect washer was installed securing the upper and lower torque links, resulting in separation of the upper and lower links and subsequent rotation of the landing gear tire during the landing roll.

loss of engine power in the left engine for undetermined reasons. Also causal was the pilot's failure to correctly configure the airplane for a single engine missed approach, which resulted in a negative climb performance. A factor was the pilot's decision to initiate the approach when the weather conditions were below the published approach minimums.

The failure of the attitude indicator, and the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control as a result of spatial disorientation following the failure of the attitude indicator. Contributing factors were a low ceiling, clouds, and dark night conditions.

The failure of the tug driver to stop at the stop sign resulting in a collision with a taxiing airplane. A contributing factor was the dark night light conditions.

Incomplete compliance with a non-mandatory Cessna Service Information Letter by an unknown person resulting in pulling through of the attach bolt of the upper and lower link assemblies and subsequent rotation of the right wheel assembly. Additionally, improper overhaul of the right main landing gear actuator by an unknown person resulting in collapse of the right main landing gear. Findings in the investigation were: 1) Inadequate compliance with a Cessna Service Bulletin (SB) by company maintenance personnel for failure to replace the actuator as addressed in the SB due to a discrepancy with the actuator noted during the post incident testing, and 2) Failure of the FAA to include inspection of the main landing gear torque links in the FAA approved inspection program as described in the Cessna Progressive Care Program.

The pilot's failure to maintain a stabilized approach with an adequate vertical and lateral track. Also causal was his failure to maintain obstacle clearance.

Separation of the right main landing gear tire recap during takeoff resulting in the pilot's loss of directional control, the aircraft departing the runway, collapse of the landing gear, and collision with the airport fence.

The pilot's inadequate handling of the aircraft during the landing flare/touchdown resulting in a hard landing that collapsed the left main landing gear.

The pilot's decision takeoff with condensation on the cockpit windows which restricted visibility, his improper use of aileron control, improper compensation for winds during takeoff, and his failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, resulting in the aircraft running off the left side of the runway, colliding with a taxiway sign and ditch, and collapsing the landing gear.

The fatigue failure of the right wing spar as a result of inadequate quality control during manufacture of the spar. A factor was the inadequate inspection of the right wing by maintenance personnel, which failed to detect the crack.

the pilot's delayed decision to perform a go-around (missed approach). Related factors were: darkness, low ceiling, fog, and disorientation of the flight crew, while making the approach in conditions of limited visibility.

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain during the initial climb after a night takeoff. Factors include a dark night and rising terrain off the departure end of the runway.

The failure of the pilot to maintain altitude while making a visual approach at night over water in black hole conditions resulting in the aircraft descending and crashing into the sea. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the pilot and operator to use all available air traffic control and navigational facilities, and the FAA Principle Operations Inspector's inadequate surveillance of the operation.