Pilot Debrief

BEECH 95-C55 near GM — 2012-09-20

Final reportCEN12LA652
Sign in to save
Date
2012-09-20
Location
GM, USA
Aircraft
BEECH 95-C55
Registration
N265Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

An in-flight fire, which resulted in the airplane’s forced landing in water. The source of the fire could not be determined because the airplane wreckage was not recovered.

NTSB narrative

While on a cross-country flight, the pilot detected smoke in the cockpit. He attempted to identify the source of the smoke but was not successful. When the pilot saw flames behind the cockpit panel, he descended and ditched the airplane in the water. The pilot and passengers got out of the airplane and the airplane sank. Due to the depth of the water at the accident location, the airplane was not recovered. Without recovery of the airplane’s wreckage, further examination was not possible, and the source of the fire could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have landed at nearest airport upon detecting smoke in cockpit.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

Related mishaps