On July 15, 1993, a Beech 95-A55 (registration N2200Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Jacksonville, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN EXPLOSION AND FIRE FROM UNDETERMINED FUEL AND IGNITION SOURCES IN THE LEFT WING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses observed the left wing leading edge explode and catch fire after lift-off. The aircraft rolled left, crashed inverted, and was consumed by fire. Debris found on runway.
Accident Overview
Shortly after lift-off, witnesses reported an explosion and flames erupting from the left wing leading edge outboard of the engine. The aircraft immediately rolled to the left and impacted the ground in an inverted attitude. Post-impact, the aircraft was consumed by fire.
Wreckage and Debris
The left pitot tube and structural components from the left wing were found on the runway between 300 and 600 feet from where the aircraft came to rest. The explosion occurred in the left wing leading edge forward of the front wing spar and just aft of the stall warning system vane.
Structural Damage
Examination of the left wing revealed that the top spar cap was bent upward and the bottom spar cap was bent downward. The spar caps were separated from the spar web. The wing leading edge sheet metal was ripped open and curled aft over and below the wing.
Fire Damage
The fuel system and electrical system components in the area of the explosion sustained massive fire damage.