TPI International Airways

While cruising at an altitude of 18,000 feet on a flight from Oranjestad to Panama City, the crew heard and explosion and lost n°3 and 4 engines. They visually noted that the propellers and portions of the gearboxes were also missing. Then they shut down n°2 engine due to erratic indications, declared an emergency and successfully ditched the airplane off Aruba Island. All three crew members were rescued while the airplane was lost in the Caribbean Sea.

During arrival to the Kansas City Downtown Airport, the flight was vectored for a VOR runway 03 approach, then was cleared for the approach and to circle and land on runway 36. On final approach, the aircraft was high and was not in a position to land, so the flight was cleared to circle left for another approach to land. The aircrew acknowledged and began circling left which took them in the vicinity of the Fairfax Airport. A short time later, the ATC controller cautioned that the flight might be lining up for the Fairfax Airport. Subsequently, the crew initiated a missed approach and were instructed to turn to 360° and climb to 3,000 feet. The aircraft began a steep climb to 3,100 feet, stalled and entered a steep descent. Before the descent was arrested, the aircraft impacted in a public water treatment plant. CVR recordings indicated that the 1st officer was flying the aircraft during the en route descent, VOR approach and circling approach, then the captain took control during the missed approach. An exam of the wreckage revealed no evidence of an airframe or powerplant problem. Also, there was no evidence that the cargo had shifted. All three crew members were killed.