On January 16, 2001, a Lake LA-4-200 (registration N12E) operated by George Kirby was involved in an aviation accident near Orlando, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE OTHER MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL'S FAILURE TO COMPLETE PRESCRIBED INSPECTIONS THAT RESULTED IN THE FAILURE OF A FUEL BLOCK DRAIN ASSEMBLY FITTING , CORROSION OF THE BATTERY GROUNDING STRAP AND THE SUBSEQUENT FLASH EXPLOSION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An explosion occurred during engine start. Post-incident inspection revealed a cracked fuel block drain assembly fitting and corroded battery grounding strap.
Incident Description
During an attempted engine start, an explosion occurred. The pilot reported that he did not detect any fuel fumes prior to initiating the start sequence.
Inspection Findings
Following the explosion, maintenance personnel discovered a crack on the fuel block drain assembly fitting. Additionally, corrosion was found on the battery grounding strap.
Maintenance Requirements
The airplane's maintenance inspection procedures mandate a 30-day inspection of the battery grounding strap for corrosion and the fuel lines for damage. The specific findings indicate that both items were subject to degradation at the time of the incident.
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