Incident Overview
During cruise flight, an airplane experienced a bird strike that impacted the top portion of the right wing tip tank. The tip tank was full of fuel at the time. The impact damaged the strobe and navigation light assembly within the tank, including a broken strobe light bulb.
Post-Landing Events
After landing, while taxiing, the pilot noticed a fire. The pilot evacuated the airplane. The fire continued to burn for approximately 35 minutes before an explosion occurred. The airplane subsequently sustained substantial damage.
Environmental Conditions
Dusk meteorological conditions prevailed, with an overcast layer of clouds. The accident occurred during cruise flight, though the exact phase of flight at the time of the bird strike is not further specified.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that the bird struck the top portion of the tip tank and that the strobe/navigation assembly within the tank was damaged, with a broken strobe light bulb.
Damage Description
The fire and explosion resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. The right wing tip tank was full of fuel at the time of the bird strike, which may have contributed to the severity of the fire.
Investigation Status
No probable cause has been stated in the source. The investigation remains a matter of record, focusing on the sequence of events from the bird strike through the post-landing fire and explosion.