1995-10-14: Piper PA-23 — Dench, Edward — Beckley, WV

Casualties unknown • Beckley, WV, US

Probable cause

an in-flight fire (behind the right side of the instrument panel), which occurred for undetermined reason(s).

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot stated that the airplane was in level flight, at night, in clouds and light rain, when he saw a '...sudden flash (spark)...' followed by fire from behind the instrument panel on the right side of the cockpit. The pilot reported that he turned the master switch off in an attempt to eliminate the source of the fire. He stated that the cabin filled with smoke, but the fire gradually '...went out, mostly on it's own...' He made an uneventful landing at Beckley, WV. Maintenance personnel reported that fire damage precluded a positive determination of the source of the fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-10-14 Piper PA-23 accident near Beckley, WV?

The pilot stated that the airplane was in level flight, at night, in clouds and light rain, when he saw a '...sudden flash (spark)...' followed by fire from behind the instrument panel on the right side of the cockpit. The pilot reported that he turned the master switch off in an attempt to eliminate the source of…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-10-14 involved a Piper PA-23, registration N65SC, operated by Dench, Edward, at Beckley, WV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

an in-flight fire (behind the right side of the instrument panel), which occurred for undetermined reason(s).

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04641. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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