SB20, en-route, Muzzano Switzerland, 2013

SB20, en-route, Muzzano Switzerland, 2013

Summary

On 28 November 2013, a Saab 2000 departing Lugano suffered an engine failure for no apparent reason and the crew determined that diversion to Milan was preferable to return to Lugano or continued climb over high terrain to reach intended destination Zurich. The Investigation found that the loss of engine power experienced was due to a double FADEC failure with a transient malfunction of one channel resulting in an automated transfer to the other channel which already had an undetected permanent fault attributable to maintenance error. It was noted that the airline involved had contracted out all continuing airworthiness responsibilities.

Description

On 28 November 2013, a Saab 2000 (HB-IZW) being operated by Darwin Airline on a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Lugano to Zurich as LX 2903 and in the climb in day VMC experienced a complete loss of power on the right hand engine. After declaring a PAN to ATC and shutting down the failed engine, the crew completed an uneventful diversion to Milan Malpensa due to high terrain ahead on the originally intended route and the challenging nature of even normal approaches at Lugano.

Investigation

An Investigation was opened on the day following the event by the then Swiss Accident Investigation Board (SAIB) and subsequently passed to the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB). Data from the DFDR were successfully downloaded but relevant data on the 30 minute CVR were overwritten because the recorder was not electrically isolated.

It was noted that the Captain, who was PF for the flight had 8,600 hours total flying experience, all of it on type. The First Officer had 732 total flying hours which included 531 hours on type.

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