Incident Overview
On March 4, 2011, at approximately 1130 eastern standard time, a Beech C23 Sundowner, registration N6015F, was destroyed following an in-flight fire and subsequent emergency landing. The aircraft had departed from West Georgia Regional Airport (CTJ) in Carrollton, Georgia, about 1125. The instructional flight, operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, was crewed by a certificated flight instructor (CFI) and a private-rated pilot receiving instruction. Neither occupant was injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan had been filed.
Flight Sequence
The CFI reported that the flight aimed to retrieve the aircraft after its annual inspection, with the student pilot joining for training on the return leg. A preflight inspection revealed no anomalies. During engine start, the fuel pressure gauge indicated zero, but the engine started and ran normally. Takeoff and initial climb were uneventful.
After departure under visual flight rules (VFR), the flight intended to obtain an IFR clearance. While communicating with air traffic control (ATC) at about 2,000 feet mean sea level and approximately 3 miles east of CTJ, the engine began running roughly and smoke was observed under the cowling. The pilots turned back toward the airport and advised ATC of their return. The CFI conducted a visual approach to runway 17, noting significant smoke in the cockpit. After landing, both pilots exited the aircraft and notified emergency services, the aircraft owner, and ATC.
The student pilot's written statement corroborated the CFI's account. A witness reported seeing the airplane approximately 20 feet above the runway, trailing smoke and flames.
Pilot Information
The CFI held commercial and flight instructor certificates for single-engine and multiengine aircraft, with an instrument rating. His most recent FAA first-class medical certificate was issued November 8, 2010, and he reported 3,500 total flight hours, including 1,200 hours in the accident airplane make and model.
The student pilot held a private pilot certificate for single-engine land aircraft, with a third-class medical certificate issued August 4, 2010. He reported 63 total flight hours, all in the accident airplane make and model.
Aircraft Information
The airplane, manufactured in 1979, had accrued 6,132.8 total aircraft hours as of its most recent annual inspection on March 1, 2011. Maintenance records indicated that run-up checks were completed and no leaks were noted.
Weather Conditions
The 1137 weather observation at CTJ reported an overcast ceiling at 2,300 feet, visibility 10 miles, winds from 140 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 21 knots, temperature 12°C, dewpoint 7°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.38 inches of mercury.
Damage and Examination
Post-accident photographs by an FAA inspector showed significant fire damage to the engine compartment. The instrument panel, cockpit, cabin area, and right wing were consumed by fire. The inboard section of the left wing out to the landing gear was also destroyed.
A detailed wreckage examination revealed that the fuel line from the electric fuel boost pump to the carburetor was disconnected. Closer inspection showed melted metal and soot on the threads of the pump's male fitting and the fuel line's female B-nut fitting, consistent with the line being disconnected prior to the fire. The fuel line was near the carburetor fuel strainer, which is routinely removed during annual inspections. A T-fitting on the line routed fuel to the fuel pressure indicator; with the line disconnected, fuel pressure would not register on the gauge, though the engine would continue operating.