On September 6, 2000, a Beech BE58 (registration N84DE) was involved in an aviation accident near Bethany, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the fire, which ignited in the engine compartment for undetermined reasons while taxiing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A commercial pilot experienced a right engine power loss during taxi, followed by a fire near the engine compartment. The fire extinguished on its own; no fuel line issues were found.
Event Details
A commercial pilot landed uneventfully and was taxiing the twin-engine airplane off the runway when the right engine lost power. The pilot restarted the engine, but it soon lost power again. While attempting a third start, the passenger noticed a fire near the right wing engine compartment. The pilot stated that he pulled the right engine mixture to idle cut-off and continued cranking the engine in an attempt to suck the fire into the intake manifold. The fire continued to burn, and the pilot and passenger exited the aircraft and attempted to find help. The fire extinguished on its own.
Examination
According to the FAA inspector who responded to the accident site and a mechanic who examined the aircraft after the event, there was no evidence of ruptured fuel lines or loose fittings.