Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G 164A near Nome, TX — 2017-04-08

Final reportCEN17LA151
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Date
2017-04-08
Location
Nome, TX, USA
Aircraft
GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G 164A
Registration
N971QC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

An in-flight fire for reasons that could not be determined based on available information.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting agricultural operations when he noticed a "burnt wire" smell. He stated that smoke began to fill the cockpit, and he noticed flames outside the airplane. The pilot shut off the fuel selector and conducted a forced landing to a hay field. After landing, the fire consumed the majority of the airplane. Review of maintenance records revealed the airplane's original engine was replaced by a turbine engine under a supplemental type certificate (STC); however, the STC holder did not perform or authorize the installation. Although the STC involved replacing the fuel lines every 5 years, the investigation revealed no records indicating that the fuel lines were replaced in accordance with the STC. Fire damage prevented a detailed examination of the engine installation; therefore, the origin of the fire could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Proper maintenance of fuel lines could have prevented the fire.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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