On October 24, 1982, a Cessna 402B (registration N7856Q) operated by Jon Allan Kodani was involved in an aviation accident near Upland, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel leaked into the leading edge cavity from an improperly installed fuel vent, leading to an explosion and skin separation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After landing and taxiing, a pilot heard an explosion from the right wing. Inspection revealed separated leading edge skin, soot, and evidence of a fuel leak from an improperly installed vent.
Incident Overview
During post-landing taxi, the pilot of an aircraft heard a loud report, described as an explosion, emanating from the right wing. The pilot immediately evacuated the aircraft and discovered that the skin had separated from both the top and bottom leading edge of the right wing.
Evidence of Fuel Leak
Subsequent examination revealed soot around the wing drain hole for the leading edge cavity. Investigators found evidence that fuel had leaked into the cavity from an improperly installed fuel vent. The presence of fuel in the cavity and the soot suggest that an explosion occurred within the leading edge, causing the skin separation.
Findings
The investigation determined that the improper installation of the fuel vent allowed fuel to enter the leading edge cavity. No other causal factors were identified.
Probable cause
Fuel leaked into the leading edge cavity from an improperly installed fuel vent, leading to an explosion and skin separation.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 24 Oct 1982 Cessna 402B accident near Upland, CA?
After landing and taxiing, a pilot heard an explosion from the right wing. Inspection revealed separated leading edge skin, soot, and evidence of a fuel leak from an improperly installed vent.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Oct 1982 involved a Cessna 402B, registration N7856Q, operated by Jon Allan Kodani, at Upland, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Fuel leaked into the leading edge cavity from an improperly installed fuel vent, leading to an explosion and skin separation.
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