On June 19, 1987, a DE Havilland DHC-8-101 (registration N813PH) operated by Horizon Air Industries, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Seattle, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A leaking high pressure fuel control unit fuel return line, which had previous external damage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An airline flight experienced a right engine explosion and fire at about 800 feet AGL during initial climb. The crew shut down the engine, activated fire bottles, and landed safely. Investigation found a leaking fuel return line with prior external damage.
Incident
A scheduled airline passenger flight encountered a sudden explosion and fire in the right engine approximately 800 feet above ground level during the initial climb phase after takeoff. The flight crew immediately responded by shutting down the affected engine and discharging two fire extinguishing bottles, which successfully suppressed the fire. The aircraft then landed without further incident.
Investigation
Post-flight inspection revealed that a high-pressure fuel control unit fuel return line, located near the starter generator, was leaking. The line was sent to a laboratory for detailed examination.
Cause
Laboratory analysis determined that the fuel return line had sustained previous external damage, which led to the leak. This leak resulted in the engine fire during the climb.
Probable cause
A leaking high pressure fuel control unit fuel return line, which had previous external damage.