In-flight fire leads to aircraft destruction during emergency landing

Casualties unknown • Huntersville, NC, US

An aircraft experienced an engine fire and subsequent wing separation during an emergency landing after smoke and flames were observed trailing from the left engine.

What happened

During the approach phase of flight, the pilot observed blue smoke and oil trailing from the left engine and the wing. Shortly after this observation, flames were seen emerging from the left engine nacelle. As a result, smoke began to fill the cabin, necessitating an emergency landing.

Following the touchdown, the left wing broke off from the aircraft during the rollout. Once the airplane came to a stop, a fire consumed the entire aircraft.

The investigation

An FAA inspector performed an examination of the wreckage. Due to the significant extent of the fire damage, the inspector was unable to determine the exact source of the fire. However, the investigation noted that oil-soaked paint chips were discovered along the aircraft's flight path, approximately 900 feet before the touchdown point.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-02-12 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Huntersville, NC?

An aircraft experienced an engine fire and subsequent wing separation during an emergency landing after smoke and flames were observed trailing from the left engine.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-02-12 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N5112Y, operated by Cross Motor Company, at Huntersville, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FIRE RESULTING FROM AN OIL LEAK OF UNDETERMINED ORIGIN IN THE AREA OF THE LEFT ENGINE.

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.

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