Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 310K near Olive Branch, MS — 2012-03-07

Final reportERA12LA217
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Date
2012-03-07
Location
Olive Branch, MS, USA
Airport
OLV
Aircraft
CESSNA 310K
Registration
N6974L
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Ground

Probable cause

Fuel leaking from the left engine fuel strainer onto electrical connections after engine start, which resulted in a fire.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after starting the left engine, the pilot observed smoke coming from the left engine nacelle. Smoke was then observed in the area of the pilot's rudder pedals. The pilot shut down both engines and exited the airplane. Local personnel responded and extinguished the fire. An examination of the airplane revealed that the left engine and forward wing area were heavily damaged by fire. The most extensive damage was centered around the left engine fuel strainer that was mounted on the engine firewall. Due to the fire damage, the fuel system was not pressurized during the examination. A review of the airplane records revealed no recent maintenance in the area of the fuel strainer. It is likely that fuel leaking from the strainer contacted adjacent electrical connections resulting in the fire.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked for fuel leaks before engine start.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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