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The approach to runway 20 at Malmstrom AFB was described by ground observers as normal. Following a hard landing during which the aircraft porpoised several times, a right turnoff onto the taxiway was accomplished. The aircraft rolled to a stop on the edge of the ramp area and witnesses reported that the right engine had quit. After several minutes and numerous attempts, the engine was finally restarted and the aircraft was taxied to the ramp parking area. The landing was accomplished at 1308 after an elapsed flight time of six hours and two minutes from Hill AFB, Ogden, Utah.
The incoming flight crew reported that the first officer had made the approach and landing at Malmstrom AFB. No significant discrepancies were noted in the aircraft engine log, and the flight crew made no attempt to determine the cause of the right engine stopping.
A crew change was effected at Malmstrom AFB. Captain Clyde H. Bour, Jr., and First Officer George D. Houck were to continue LOGAIR Flight 1814 to Hill AFB its destination. Two hundred and sixty gallons of 115/145 octane fuel were added to bring the total fuel to 600 gallons.
The captain checked the local, en route, and terminal weather and filed a VFR flight clearance on Military Form 175 to Ellsworth AFB, Rapid City, South Dakota, with a one-hour refueling and cargo stop at Minot AFB, North Dakota. Estimated time en route was five hours and five minutes, and there was four hours fuel aboard. Estimated time en route to Minot AFB was two hours and twenty minutes.
During the engine start, ground observers heard the right engine backfire several times after starting. The captain stated he then shut down both engines and determined that the right engine fuel selector valve was not properly seated. He further stated both engines were then restarted and ran normally and the aircraft checked out properly on run-up.
At 1404, LOGAIR Flight 1814 departed Malstrom AFB to proceed direct to Minot AFB. Weight and balance computations indicated the gross takeoff weight of the aircraft was 47,124 pounds, which was below the maximum allowable of 48,000 pounds. Investigation revealed the center of gravity (c.g.) was within allowable limits. Weather conditions at Malmstrom AFB at departure were reported as: scattered clouds at 7,000 feet, visibility 55 miles, temperature 89°F., dew-point 47°F., wind from 310° at 7 knots, altimeter setting 29.98.
The field elevation of Malmstrom AFB is 3,525 feet.[1] Terrain east of Malmstrom AFB within 25 to 30 nautical miles, rises to heights of more than 5,000 feet. Elevations then decrease en route to Minot AFB and average 2,500 to 3,000 feet over the plains areas.
According to the captain, normal takeoff was made from, runway 20 using 2,700 r.p.m. and approximately 50 inches of hg. After takeoff, power was reduced to Maximum Except Takeoff (NETO) which was 2,550 r.p.m. and 44 inches of hg. At this time, a left turn was initiated toward a northeasterly outbound heading. At approximately 500 feet above the surface, climb power of 2,500 r.p.m. and 38 inches hg. was established. According to the captain's statement, both engine oil inlet temperatures were between 95 and 100 degrees C.
- ↑ All altitudes are above mean sea level unless otherwise noted.
