On September 27, 1993, a Beech A36 (registration N80010) was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A cross-threaded output line on the engine-driven fuel pump, which allowed fuel to leak into the engine compartment. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During engine start with high boost pump, flames emerged from the engine compartment. Pilot and passenger evacuated before aircraft engulfed. Investigation found cross-threaded output line on engine-driven fuel pump, which had been re-installed earlier that day.
Accident Overview
During engine start, the pilot engaged the high boost pump and observed flames rising from the engine compartment toward the door. The pilot and passenger were able to exit the aircraft before it became fully engulfed in flames.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination revealed that the output line on the engine-driven fuel pump was cross-threaded. This condition allowed fuel to leak into the engine compartment, where it ignited during the start sequence.
Maintenance History
The engine-driven fuel pump had been removed and re-installed earlier on the same day. The mechanic who performed the post-maintenance run-up noted that the engine ran roughly unless the boost pump was set to low. The mechanic did not inform anyone of this difficulty until after releasing the aircraft for flight and following the accident.
Probable cause
A cross-threaded output line on the engine-driven fuel pump, which allowed fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
What happened in the 27 Sept 1993 Beech A36 accident near Houston, TX?
During engine start with high boost pump, flames emerged from the engine compartment. Pilot and passenger evacuated before aircraft engulfed. Investigation found cross-threaded output line on engine-driven fuel pump, which had been re-installed earlier that day.
Were there any fatalities in the 27 Sept 1993 Beech A36 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Sept 1993 involved a Beech A36, registration N80010, at Houston, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A cross-threaded output line on the engine-driven fuel pump, which allowed fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…