Incident
At approximately 0745 hours Central Standard Time on 20 January 1972, an in-flight fire occurred in a Beech 65-80 Queen Air aircraft, registered VH-CMI. The fire led to the separation of the starboard engine and the starboard outer wing. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground about seven miles southwest of Alice Springs Airport in the Northern Territory.
Aircraft and Flight
The aircraft was a twin-engine Beech 65-80 Queen Air. At the time of the accident, it was operating a charter flight carrying passengers, mail, and freight from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock. The aircraft was destroyed by fire and impact forces.
Occupants and Fatalities
The pilot and six passengers were killed in the accident.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause. Following an engine failure that resulted in severe vibration and a fire in the outboard rear section of the engine compartment, the integrity of the firewall and its attached exhaust ducting was lost. Structure at the rear of the engine nacelle was thereby exposed to fire.