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Smoke and Fire During Landing After Takeoff (N3063V)

Cookson, OK, US

On June 13, 1987, a Beech 35 (registration N3063V) was involved in an aviation accident near Cookson, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loose engine oil pump attach bolts allowed oil to drip onto the hot muffler, which ignited, and flames entered the cockpit through the hot air duct. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff, smoke was detected in the cockpit. The pilot shut off the master switch, but flames appeared before touchdown, burning the pilot's leg. After landing, the aircraft was destroyed by fire. Investigation found loose oil pump bolts allowed oil to drip onto a hot muffler, igniting the fire.

Incident Details

Shortly after takeoff, smoke was smelled and then observed in the cockpit. The pilot believed the smoke source was electrical and turned off the master switch. Just before touchdown, flames began burning the pilot's left leg. The aircraft was stopped on the runway, and the pilot and passenger deplaned. The aircraft was subsequently destroyed by fire.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the aircraft revealed that the engine oil pump attach bolts were loose. This allowed engine oil to drip onto the hot muffler, which ignited the oil. The resulting flames entered the cockpit through the hot air duct.

Sequence of Events

The smoke initially detected after takeoff was likely from oil burning on the muffler. The pilot's action of turning off the master switch did not stop the oil leak or the fire. The flames intensified and entered the cockpit via the hot air duct, causing the pilot's leg to burn. After landing, the fire consumed the aircraft completely.

Probable cause

Loose engine oil pump attach bolts allowed oil to drip onto the hot muffler, which ignited, and flames entered the cockpit through the hot air duct.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Beech 35 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jun 1987 Beech 35 accident near Cookson, OK?

Shortly after takeoff, smoke was detected in the cockpit. The pilot shut off the master switch, but flames appeared before touchdown, burning the pilot's leg. After landing, the aircraft was destroyed by fire. Investigation found loose oil pump bolts allowed oil to drip onto a hot muffler, igniting the fire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jun 1987 involved a Beech 35, registration N3063V, at Cookson, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loose engine oil pump attach bolts allowed oil to drip onto the hot muffler, which ignited, and flames entered the cockpit through the hot air duct.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31193. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.