Swearingen SA226T Merlin III crash, May 31, 2005, Teterboro
Swearingen SA226T Merlin III accident on May 31, 2005 near Teterboro, New Jersey, United States with no fatalities. Cause: The pilot's decision to...
- Date: May 31, 2005
- Aircraft: Swearingen SA226T Merlin III
- Location: Teterboro, New Jersey, United States
- Fatalities: 0
- Phase of flight: Approach and landing
- Cause: The pilot's decision to depart with a known engine deficiency, leading to loss of control on landing. Fuel control units with high flight idle fuel flow were a factor, according to the NTSB summary.
A Swearingen Merlin III ferry flight from Nantucket to Teterboro had a sudden right turn on the first takeoff, which was aborted, and a second takeoff was made without incident. On approach to Teterboro the left engine surged, and during the flare it surged to 65 percent power at idle. The aircraft turned right and the right wing struck the ground. The pilot was seriously injured and the aircraft was substantially damaged. The accident was on 31 May 2005.