On September 30, 1987, a Cessna 401 (registration N2UE) operated by Jet Air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Ames, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Separation of a portion of the exhaust system near the turbocharger allowed hot exhaust gases to melt a fuel return line, resulting in a fire. 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.
An unscheduled passenger flight experienced an in-flight fire in the left engine shortly after departure from Ames, Iowa. The pilot secured the engine and returned for an uneventful landing, with post-fire inspection revealing a separated exhaust component near the turbocharger.
Incident Details
An unscheduled passenger flight was climbing to cruise altitude after departing Ames, Iowa, when the pilot in command observed a fire in the left engine. The pilot aborted the climb and returned to Ames. The left engine was secured before landing, and the landing was uneventful.
Post-Flight Inspection
A post-fire inspection of the engine compartment revealed a separated portion of the exhaust system near the turbocharger unit. The separation of these components allowed hot exhaust gases to melt a fuel return line, which subsequently caught fire.
Prior Maintenance
The aircraft had been inspected 50 flight hours prior to the in-flight fire and was determined to be airworthy at that time.
Probable cause
Separation of a portion of the exhaust system near the turbocharger allowed hot exhaust gases to melt a fuel return line, resulting in a fire.