Engine failure — Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, charter

Summary

An Outback Air Charter Cessna 208B Grand Caravan experienced engine failure at 6,500 ft AGL in the Barkly Tableland. The pilot identified a suitable emergency landing area and landed on a station track without injury to the pilot or four passengers. Aircraft sustained damage to the right main undercarriage.

Investigation Findings (4)

1. 01Engine failure was caused by a failed fuel control unit plunger that restricted fuel flow below the minimum for engine operation.
2. 02The FCU was at 4,870 hours TIS; the overhaul interval is 5,000 hours, and no trend data indicated early failure.
3. 03Pratt & Whitney Canada issued a service bulletin recommending earlier overhaul for FCUs operated in extreme temperature environments.
4. 04CASA mandated adoption of the PT&WC SB for Australian operators.