On April 18, 1982, a Beech S-35 (registration N7907K) operated by Robert Rees was involved in an aviation accident near Jonesboro, AR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot noticed smoke behind the instrument panel during a pre-takeoff run-up, immediately exiting the aircraft before fire destroyed the panel. The cause of the fire could not be determined due to extensive damage.
What happened
The pilot was conducting the engine run-up procedure in preparation for takeoff when he observed smoke emanating from behind the instrument panel. Recognizing the potential hazard, the pilot immediately exited the aircraft. Firefighting equipment arrived on scene but was unable to extinguish the fire before it consumed the instrument panel, resulting in its total destruction.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage following the incident. However, the extent of the damage caused by the fire prevented any meaningful mechanical examination or analysis of the components involved in the event.
Findings
The primary finding was that the cause of the fire could not be determined due to the extensive fire damage which obliterated critical evidence within the instrument panel area.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 Apr 1982 Beech S-35 accident near Jonesboro, AR?
A pilot noticed smoke behind the instrument panel during a pre-takeoff run-up, immediately exiting the aircraft before fire destroyed the panel. The cause of the fire could not be determined due to extensive damage.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Apr 1982 involved a Beech S-35, registration N7907K, operated by Robert Rees, at Jonesboro, AR.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…