Casualties unknown

2002-11-06: Piper PA-31-350 (N698VW) — Kerrville, TX

Kerrville, TX, US

On November 6, 2002, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N698VW) was involved in an aviation accident near Kerrville, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The propeller shaft seal leak resulting in an in-flight fire. 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

A pilot heard a muffled bang from the right engine during cruise, shut it down, and landed safely. Post-landing inspection revealed an in-flight fire that destroyed parts of the right flap, gear door, and wing locker, and oil leak from the propeller shaft seal.

Incident Details

During cruise flight at 6,500 feet msl, the pilot heard a "muffled bang on the right engine." The pilot immediately performed emergency procedures, shut down the right engine, feathered the propeller, and landed the airplane without further incident. The aircraft sustained fire damage on the right side.

Damage and Fire

The outboard portion of the right flap, the right gear door, and the right wing locker were destroyed by the in-flight fire. Additionally, there was thermal deformation of the aft right wing spar. The fire was limited to the right side of the aircraft.

Post-Landing Examination

Following the landing, an examination of the airplane revealed oil deposits from the right engine propeller aft to the right vertical stabilizer. The oil filter was replaced, and 8 quarts of oil were added to the engine for a test run. During the 10-minute test run, oil was observed leaking from the forward area of the engine. After the test run, further examination revealed that the oil was leaking from the propeller shaft seal.

The aircraft was landed without further incident, and no other anomalies were reported.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021121X05500. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.