File 2005.13: M. Goessling v. Dallas Air Motive

Case Type: Aviation Accident

Description:
The pilot of a Cheyenne IIXL turned off his left engine because it seemed to be malfunctioning. Not knowing the governor bracket that feathers the prop had failed and the engine was otherwise working properly. Shutting the engine off created heavy drag, causing the airplane to go down rapidly and crash into trees.

Phase 1, Pre-Visualization & Measurement:
Fearless Eye obtained FAA flight path data, air traffic control voice transcripts and audio recordings. Topographical maps were generated in 3D using USGS surveys and flight path coordinates were overlaid. An accurate model of the Cheyenne IIXL was also produced.

Phase 2, Visualizations Produced:
After combining all available data, a series of 3D animations were produced illustrating the airplane’s flight path, how a plane is flown and controlled, engine gauges and failure of the prop governor. Also, superimposed text display and simultaneous playback of flight recordings produced an accurate record of events leading up to the accident.