On August 25, 1977, a Beechcraft 88 Queen Air (registration N711KW) operated by Chart Aire was involved in an aviation accident near Camarillo, United States of America in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In-flight fire during normal cruise for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A test flight from Van Nuys ended in a crash after a wheel well fire spread to the left wing, causing it to detach. The aircraft entered an uncontrolled dive and burned on impact, killing all three occupants.
Accident Details
The aircraft departed Van Nuys for a local test flight. During the flight, a fire erupted in the left wheel well. The fire then spread to the left wing, which subsequently detached in flight. The aircraft entered a dive and crashed in flames. All three occupants were killed.
Probable Cause and Findings
The official probable cause was determined to be an in-flight fire during normal cruise for undetermined reasons. The investigation reported the following findings:
Fire in brakes, wheel assembly, and wheel well
Fire in wing
Separation in flight
In-flight loss of left wing
Severe fire in left wheel well aft of left engine firewall, source undetermined
What happened in the 25 Aug 1977 Beechcraft 88 Queen Air accident near Camarillo, United States of America?
A test flight from Van Nuys ended in a crash after a wheel well fire spread to the left wing, causing it to detach. The aircraft entered an uncontrolled dive and burned on impact, killing all three occupants.
Were there any fatalities in the 25 Aug 1977 Beechcraft 88 Queen Air accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Aug 1977 involved a Beechcraft 88 Queen Air, registration N711KW, operated by Chart Aire, at Camarillo, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
In-flight fire during normal cruise for undetermined reasons.
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