Incident Overview
After landing, the pilot turned the airplane to taxi off the runway. During the turn, the outboard section of the left wing exploded and a small fire erupted. The pilot noted that the navigation and strobe lights were not turned on during the landing.
Investigation Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the damaged area and discovered a small piece of material resembling leather wrapped around a portion of the fuel line and secured with a clamp. The location of the clamped material corresponded to the area of most severe damage. On the skin material around the fuel line, a dark gummy substance consistent with residual fuel was observed.
The inspector opined that the clamped material had been installed in an attempt to repair a fuel leak. He further suggested that after the material became saturated with fuel, fuel vapors accumulated in the outboard cavity of the wing, leading to the explosion.
Aircraft Systems
According to the airplane's parts manual, the electrical wiring in the outboard section of the left wing includes wiring for the navigation light, the landing light, and the stall warning indicator. The fuel line runs behind the leading edge to the outboard fuel tanks. The exact mechanism of ignition was not specified in the source material.
Additional Details
The incident occurred while the pilot was taxiing from landing. No information regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, date, or occupants was provided in the source. The source also did not specify the extent of damage or any injuries.