On October 15, 1987, a Casa C-212-200 (registration N436CA) operated by Executive Air Charter, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Mayaguez, PR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The fuel line failed due to fatigue originating from tool marks, which were consistent with the use of a crescent wrench or similar tool to bend the line for alignment. 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.
A commuter aircraft experienced an engine fire while taxiing after a fuel line broke due to fatigue originating from tool marks. The fire was extinguished, and a company directive was issued.
Incident Overview
A commuter flight was taxiing to the gate when the pilot observed a fire warning light for the No 2 engine. The fire bottle was discharged, and the fire was extinguished. An examination revealed that a fuel line, part number 3103385-1, had broken and started the fire.
Examination Findings
The fuel line exhibited tool marks. A laboratory examination determined that the line had failed due to fatigue, and the fatigue had originated in the area of the tool marks. The tool marks suggested that a crescent wrench or similar tool had been used to bend the line in order to align it with the attach fitting.
Company Response
The company was advised of the findings. A company directive was issued to discontinue the practice of bending fuel lines with tools.
Probable cause
The fuel line failed due to fatigue originating from tool marks, which were consistent with the use of a crescent wrench or similar tool to bend the line for alignment.
