Casualties unknown

1984-02-02: Cessna 404 (N402EX) — Viking Express, Inc. — Covington, KY

Covington, KY, US

On February 2, 1984, a Cessna 404 (registration N402EX) operated by Viking Express, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Covington, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The B nut at the engine-driven fuel pump may not have been securely tightened during installation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A fire ignited in the right engine during the landing roll, originating near the fuel supply line connection. The aircraft was on its first revenue flight after an engine change that did not include replacement of flexible hoses. Investigation found a hardened fuel hose with cracks and a possibly loose B nut.

Incident Overview

During the landing roll, a fire ignited in the right engine. The source of the fire was located near the point where the fuel supply line connects to the engine-driven fuel pump. The aircraft had just completed its first revenue flight following a replacement of the right engine. At the time of the engine change, the flexible fuel and oil hoses were not replaced.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the fuel system revealed that part of the fuel hose had become hardened, and two cracks were found in the rubber liner. When the boost pump was activated, fuel streamed from the line. It was determined that the 'B' nut at the fuel pump may not have been securely tightened during the installation of the replaced engine. This potential lack of secure tightening could have contributed to the fuel leak, leading to the fire.

Fuel System Condition

The fuel hose showed signs of degradation consistent with age or hardening, and the presence of cracks in the liner allowed fuel to escape under pump pressure. The decision not to replace the flexible hoses during the engine change left older components in service, which may have increased the risk of failure.

Probable cause

The B nut at the engine-driven fuel pump may not have been securely tightened during installation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38705. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.