GoJet CR7 engine failure out of JFK-RDU
 

On October 7th, 2016 shortly after 9PM EST, GoJet flight 4250 (Operating as Delta Connection) enroute from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Raleigh-Durham International Airport reported that their right engine had failed, and requested an immediate return to JFK. Flight 4250 landed safely at JFK at 9:35PM.

Why didn't they declare?

They did.

I thought it was strange that Approach asked for number of souls and fuel on board in POUNDS.

They did... And usually when you tell ATC you have an engine failure the emergency is implied and they will declare for you.

? They want your fuel quantity, not the duration of fuel on board.

Until you hit the enroute phase, it's all about how big the fireball can be. When enroute and declaring it becomes, how long can they hang out and what could remain when they land. Sob's don't change. Worst case scenario thinking. Just after departure it's the thought of lots of gas, just like safety announcements. Before takeoff- all phones off, after landing- use your phones.

Why? Gas is burned off vs being loaded up to possibly burn. Centers ask for fuel in minutes, departure will ask for fuel in pounds, since the timeframe has now changed as you declare.

Yes, not PC, but think it through. Nobody wants to declare, but if you do it becomes a thought process of "worst case".

Interesting choice on the non-precision. Lots of airports in the area offering something better. Looks like no harm no foul though.

Nice job.

Obviously it's easy to Monday morning quarterback when you're not in the moment. However, I think there might have been some lack of situational awareness or confusion on the approach. Sounded like he wasn't set up for or thought he was getting a different approach when he questioned where the vectors were going to take him. While the VOR 13L/R into JFK sets you up for the longest runways, it requires more hand flying and low altitude maneuvers while dealing with this emergency at night. By no means am I implying it's something all ATP rated pilots cannot successfully complete, but you might as well make it as easy as possible for yourself in an emergency situation. Regardless, nice work to the crew for getting it on the ground safely.

I agree it was an odd choice of approach. I don't know why they didn't ask for the ils 13L. Although they almost never use that approach world, i think they would give that in a case of emergency.

Bottom line: these guys didn't end up in the news. They got everyone back on the ground safely. Good job to those pilots.