Casualties unknown

1989-02-12: Piper PA-23-250 (N5112Y) — Cross Motor Company — Huntersville, NC

Huntersville, NC, US

On February 12, 1989, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N5112Y) operated by Cross Motor Company was involved in an aviation accident near Huntersville, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FIRE RESULTING FROM AN OIL LEAK OF UNDETERMINED ORIGIN IN THE AREA OF THE LEFT ENGINE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

During approach, the pilot observed blue smoke and oil trailing from the left engine. Shortly after, flames appeared from the engine nacelle. The cabin filled with smoke, prompting an emergency landing. During rollout, the left wing separated, and the airplane was consumed by fire after stopping.

Summary

A pilot reported that during an approach, blue smoke and oil were observed trailing from the left engine and wing. Shortly thereafter, flames were seen emanating from the left engine nacelle. The aircraft's cabin filled with smoke, prompting the pilot to execute an emergency landing. During the landing rollout, the left wing detached from the airframe. After the aircraft came to a stop, it was fully consumed by fire.

Events

According to the pilot's report, the first indication of a problem was blue smoke and oil trailing from the left engine and wing during the approach phase. Shortly after noticing these signs, flames became visible coming from the left engine nacelle. The cabin then filled with smoke, leading to the decision to make an emergency landing. The landing was accomplished, but during the rollout, the left wing broke off. After the aircraft came to a stop, it was entirely consumed by the ensuing fire.

Investigation

An FAA inspector examined the wreckage and reported that the extent of fire damage precluded determination of the exact source of the fire. The inspector noted that oil-soaked paint chips were found along the airplane's flight path, approximately 900 feet before the touchdown point. No further information regarding the origin of the fire or the sequence of events was available due to the damage.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27691. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.