Casualties unknown

1992-11-06: Smith, Ted Aerostar AEROSTAR 601 (N72AW) — Crop View Corp. — Wahpeton, ND

Wahpeton, ND, US

On November 6, 1992, a Smith, Ted Aerostar AEROSTAR 601 (registration N72AW) operated by Crop View Corp. was involved in an aviation accident near Wahpeton, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: OTHER MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL'S IMPROPER MAINTENANCE (INSTALLATION). 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 initial ground run, right engine surged; power regained. On climb, surge recurred, fuel pressure unstable. Precautionary landing made. While taxiing, engine fire noted; pilot shut down engines, evacuated. Fire continued despite suppression until master switch turned off. Loose fuel line found.

Initial Ground Run and Takeoff

During the initial ground run, the right engine experienced a surge. Power was regained and the takeoff continued.

Engine Surge and Precautionary Landing

During the initial climb, the right engine surged again. The pilot turned on the electric fuel boost pump, but fuel pressure would not stabilize. The pilot performed a precautionary landing.

Fire and Evacuation

While taxiing after landing, a passenger noted a fire in the right engine. The pilot shut down both engines with the mixtures, opened the door, and evacuated the airplane along with the two passengers.

Fire Extinguishment

The engine fire continued even though airport personnel and a local fire department applied fire suppressant. The fire was extinguished after the pilot returned to the airplane and turned off the master switch.

Post-Incident Examination

Subsequent examination of the airplane revealed that the flexible fuel line between the mechanical fuel pump and throttle control body was loose at the fuel pump end.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16006. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.