On March 20, 2007, a Beech 95-B55 (registration N500JP) operated by Midline Airfreight Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Atlanta, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The improper maintenance of the "B-nut" fitting adjacent to the fuel pump by maintenance personnel, resulting in a fuel leak and wing explosion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During right engine start, pilot heard thump and saw fire from cowling. Shutdown revealed right wing damage from nacelle to tip. Fuel leak found at B-nut fitting on fuel pump output side.
Incident Description
During the initiation of a right engine start, the pilot heard a "thump" and observed fire emanating from the right engine cowling. The pilot subsequently shut down the engine. Examination of the right wing after the incident revealed that the wing, from the engine nacelle to the wing tip, had been damaged.
Post-Incident Examination
Servicing of the right fuel tank after the incident disclosed a leak at the "B-nut" fitting on the output side of the fuel pump. The leak was present regardless of whether the pump was actuated.
Maintenance History
A review of the maintenance records for the accident airplane showed that the right main fuel cell had been replaced approximately 3 months and 12 flight hours prior to the incident flight.