4 fatal · McDonnell Douglas 369D · 2003-06-15 · Volcano, HI, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX03FA200
Event ID
20030630X00970
Type
Accident
Date
2003-06-15
Location
Volcano, HI, USA
Coordinates
19.316667, -155.066665
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
4
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
4
Aircraft
Make
McDonnell Douglas
Model
369D
Registration
N4493M
FAR Part
135
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
a loss of engine power due to the fatigue fracture and separation of the compressor coupling adapter. The fatigue fracture was initiated by fretting on the pilot diameter due to both the inadequate design of the coupling and the coaxial misalignment of the spur adapter gear, compressor-coupling adapter, and compressor impeller during recent engine maintenance where the gearbox was removed and replaced. A factor in the accident was the unsuitable nature of the terrain to make an emergency landing.