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Last Updated:  06/08/09

NTSB Identification: DCA95MA006 .
The docket is stored in the Docket Management System (DMS). Please contact Records Management Division
Scheduled 14 CFR Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter
Accident occurred Tuesday, December 13, 1994 in MORRISVILLE, NC
Probable Cause Approval Date: 6/22/1996
Aircraft: British Aerospace JETSTREAM 3201, registration: N918AE
Injuries: 15 Fatal, 5 Serious.

The airplane crashed about 4 miles southwest of the runway 5L threshold during an ILS approach. The captain had associated the illumination of the left engine IGN light, illuminated as a result of a momentary negative torque condition when the propeller speed levers were advanced tp 100% and the power levers were at flight idle, with an engine failure. There was no evidence of an engine failure. The captain failed to follow established procedures for engine failure identification, single engine appoach, single engine go-around, and stall recovery. AMR Eagle training did not adequately address the recognition of engine failure at low power, the aerodynamic effects of asymmetric thrust from a 'windmilling' propeller, and high thrust on the other engine. AMR Eagle and Flagship Airlines crew training records do not provide sufficient detail for management to track performance. Flagship Airlines management was deficient in its knowledge of the types of crew records available, and in the content and use of such records.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:

1) the captain's improper assumption that an engine had failed, and 2) the captain's subsequent failure to follow approved procedures for engine failure, single-engine approach and go-around, and stall recovery. Contributing to the cause of the accident was the failure of AMR Eagle/Flagship management to identify, document, monitor, and remedy deficiencies in pilot performance and training. (NTSB Report AAR-95/07)

Full narrative available

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?ev_id=20001206X02708&key=1

December 13, 1994
Morrisville, North Carolina
American Eagle, Flight 3379
British Aerospace Jetstream 3201
N918AE

The aircraft crashed 4 miles SW of runway 5L while on an ILS approach. The captain associated the illumination of the left engine ignition light with an engine failure, suspected an engine flame out and decided to execute a missed approach. This eventually led to a stall and the plane crashed 4 miles SW of the runway threshold. The captain's improper assumption that an engine had failed. The captain's subsequent failure to follow approved procedures for engine failure, single-engine approach, go-around, and stall recovery. Contributing to the cause of the accident was the failure of American Eagle management to identify, document, monitor and remedy deficiencies in pilot performance and training.  Fifteen of 20 aboard killed.

CAPT = Captain
FO = First officer
CAM = Cockpit area microphone
* = Unintelligible word
HOT-B = Sounds heard through both pilots' hot microphone systems