Casualties unknown

1995-08-18: Cessna 421 (N3121K) — Creswell, OR

Creswell, OR, US

On August 18, 1995, a Cessna 421 (registration N3121K) was involved in an aviation accident near Creswell, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the company mechanic's failure to properly fabricate a 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During landing roll, occupants observed a left engine nacelle fire. The pilot stopped and secured the aircraft; all occupants exited safely. The fire was extinguished but caused substantial structural damage. Previous fuel leak repair may have contributed.

Incident Overview

During the landing roll, occupants of the aircraft noticed a fire in the left engine nacelle. The pilot immediately brought the aircraft to a stop and secured it. All occupants evacuated safely, and emergency personnel extinguished the fire. The fire, however, resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft structure.

Investigation Findings

Photographs taken after the incident revealed evidence of heat distress inside the nacelle aft of the engine, in the vicinity where the turbocharger is located near fuel lines. The operator reported that a left engine fuel leak had been repaired just prior to the accident flight.

The mechanic who performed the repair stated that he fabricated a replacement for a leaking fuel line, which he recalled ran "from the fuel control to the fuel pump." The replacement line was made from "5606 hose with red and blue MS fittings" and, according to the mechanic, "looked just like the original."

The aircraft service manual indicated that the hose assembly designated as "hose assy - metering unit return to pump" is located close to the turbocharger and was in the same area where photographs showed heat distress.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04392. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.