Pilot Debrief

Beech 60 near Loveland, CO — 2019-05-15

Final reportCEN19FA143
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Date
2019-05-15
Location
Loveland, CO, USA
Airport
FNL
Aircraft
Beech 60
Registration
N60RK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A loss of control due to an inflight right engine fire due to the loose fuel hose between the engine-driven fuel pump and the flow transducer.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was relocating the multiengine airplane following the completion of an extensive avionics upgrade, which also included the installation of new fuel flow transducers. As the pilot neared the destination airport, he reported over the common traffic advisory frequency that he had "an engine out [and] smoke in the cockpit." Witnesses observed and airport surveillance video showed fire emanating from the airplane's right wing. As the airplane turned towards the runway, it entered a right-rolling descent and impacted the ground near the airport's perimeter fence. The right propeller was found feathered. Examination of the right engine revealed evidence of a fire aft of the engine-driven fuel pump. The fuel pump was discolored by the fire. The fire sleeves on both the fuel pump inlet and outlet hoses were burned away. The fuel outlet hose from the fuel pump to the flow transducer was found loose. The reason the hose was loose was not determined. It is likely that pressurized fuel sprayed from the fuel pump outlet hose and was ignited by the hot turbocharger, which resulted in the inflight fire.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not have the airplane inspected before departure despite ferry permit requirements.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ATC audio
  • Photos
  • 14 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents14

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