What happened
On 11 December 1997, a Beech E90 KingAir, registration G-WELL, was involved in an incident at Southampton Airport during a private flight. After the pilot completed the post-start checklists, the activation of the cabin lights revealed a smell of electrical burning. Smoke was observed emanating from the area of the cup holder, situated just below the forward edge of the emergency exit door.
In response to the smoke, the pilot requested fire services from the airport tower. As a precaution, both Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-28 engines were shut down, and the aircraft was subsequently evacuated. There were no injuries to the two crew members or the three passengers on board.
The investigation
Following the event, investigators examined the interior of the aircraft, specifically focusing on the area where the smoke originated. Upon removing the aircraft trim surrounding the emergency exit door, the investigation identified damaged lighting wiring. The inspection established that the wiring had been shorting to earth.
Findings
- The electrical fire was caused by damaged lighting wires.
- The damage occurred because the wires had become trapped within the hinge of the emergency exit door.