On April 25, 1991, a Cessna P210 (registration N65M) operated by Cavu, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Kansas City, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S INTENTIONAL FLIGHT WITH KNOWN MECHANICAL DEFICIENCIES IN THE AIRCRAFT WHICH RESULTED IN A FIRE & FORCED LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft with a previously inoperative turbocharger experienced an in-flight fire in the waste gate area, leading to an emergency landing in unsuitable terrain.
Incident Description
The aircraft had been operated with the turbocharger inoperative prior to the incident. When the pilot suspected another turbocharger problem, he intentionally initiated a flight with the purpose of having maintenance performed on the aircraft. During the flight, an in-flight fire ensued, which localized in the waste gate area. Upon becoming aware of the fire, the pilot attempted an emergency landing in unsuitable terrain.
Investigation Findings
Subsequent investigation revealed that two bolts were missing from the waste gate to the exhaust pipe connection, where a fracture had occurred. Hot exhaust gases impinged on the nose wheel well, where fire penetrated the wheel well and eventually became fed by pressurized hydraulic fluid.
What happened in the 25 Apr 1991 Cessna P210 accident near Kansas City, MO?
An aircraft with a previously inoperative turbocharger experienced an in-flight fire in the waste gate area, leading to an emergency landing in unsuitable terrain.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Apr 1991 involved a Cessna P210, registration N65M, operated by Cavu, Inc., at Kansas City, MO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S INTENTIONAL FLIGHT WITH KNOWN MECHANICAL DEFICIENCIES IN THE AIRCRAFT WHICH RESULTED IN A FIRE & FORCED LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. A FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS IMPROPER MAINTENANCE TO THE TURBOCHARGER WASTE GATE BY OTHER MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL.
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