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Left Engine Fuel Line Failure Leads to Fire After Landing (N231LJ)

Belleville, MI, US

On June 13, 1994, a Beech 18 (registration N231LJ) operated by Kalitta Flying Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Belleville, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left engine #3 fuel line. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During the landing pattern, pilots noted low left engine fuel pressure. After landing, the left engine compressor stalled and caught fire. Investigation revealed the #3 fuel line had failed and its bends had been modified for the specific installation.

Incident Details

While in the traffic pattern for landing, the pilots observed that the left engine fuel pressure gauge indicated below normal. They activated the fuel boost pump, which restored fuel pressure to the normal range. After landing, the left engine compressor stalled several times, and subsequently the engine caught fire.

Investigation Findings

Post-accident investigation revealed that the left engine #3 fuel line had failed. Photographs of the failed component showed that the bends in the #3 fuel line had been modified for the unique installation on the accident airplane. The fuel line was discarded before further examination could be conducted.

Fuel Line Modification

The investigation noted that the bends in the #3 fuel line were altered from the original configuration to accommodate the specific installation in the accident airplane. No additional details about the modification or its origin were provided in the source material.

Probable cause

Failure of the left engine #3 fuel line.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jun 1994 Beech 18 accident near Belleville, MI?

During the landing pattern, pilots noted low left engine fuel pressure. After landing, the left engine compressor stalled and caught fire. Investigation revealed the #3 fuel line had failed and its bends had been modified for the specific installation.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Jun 1994 Beech 18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jun 1994 involved a Beech 18, registration N231LJ, operated by Kalitta Flying Service, Inc., at Belleville, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the left engine #3 fuel line.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01499. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.