Executive Airlines BAe Jetstream J-31 plane crash
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania USA
Updated on
The British Aerospace Jetstream 31 operated by Executive Airlines was performing a charter flight to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pennsylvania. A first ILS approach was discontinued because of the weather. While holding before another attempt, the crew reported difficulties affecting both engines.
The right engine stopped, and the left engine subsequently experienced intermittent power loss. The aircraft lost altitude and crashed in a wooded area several miles from the airport. The 17 passengers and two pilots were killed.
Investigation findings
The NTSB concluded that the crew failed to ensure an adequate fuel supply for the flight. The right engine stopped because of fuel exhaustion, while the left engine operated intermittently because of fuel starvation. The investigation also identified the crew's failure to adequately monitor the fuel state and its failure to maintain directional control after the initial engine stoppage as contributing factors.