1994-06-13: Beech 18 — Kalitta Flying Service, Inc.

1994-06-13: Beech 18 — Kalitta Flying Service, Inc. — Belleville, MI

Casualties unknown • Belleville, MI, US

Probable cause

the failure of the fuel line on the unique STC'd engine installation. A related factor is the improper installation of a fuel line by company maintenance personnel.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOTS STATED THEY NOTICED THE LEFT ENGINE FUEL PRESSURE GAUGE INDICATED BELOW NORMAL WHILE IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN FOR LANDING. THE FUEL BOOST PUMP WAS ACTIVATED AND FUEL PRESSURE INCREASED TO THE NORMAL RANGE. THE PILOTS REPORTED AFTER LANDING THE LEFT ENGINE COMPRESSOR STALLED SEVERAL TIMES AND THEN THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. POSTACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE LEFT ENGINE #3 FUEL LINE FAILED. PHOTOS REVEALED 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 WAS ACCOMPLISHED.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-06-13 Beech 18 accident near Belleville, MI?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-06-13 involved a Beech 18, registration N231LJ, operated by Kalitta Flying Service, Inc., at Belleville, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the failure of the fuel line on the unique STC'd engine installation. A related factor is the improper installation of a fuel line by company maintenance personnel.

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