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Left Engine Fire During Night Approach Leads to Stall and Crash at Tullahoma Airport (N313A)

Tullahoma-William Northern Field, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 14, 1974, a Beechcraft D18 (registration N313A) operated by Semo Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Tullahoma-William Northern Field, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fire on left engine after a fuel line failed on approach. The following factors were reported: - Loose parts, - Failed to maintain flying speed, - Fire in engine, - Low ceiling, - Obstructions to vision, - Suspected or known aircraft damage, - Loose fuel line. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a night approach to Tullahoma Airport, a left engine fire occurred. After extinguishing the fire and feathering the propeller, the pilot missed the runway. A go-around was attempted but the airplane stalled and crashed, injuring both occupants and destroying the aircraft.

Accident Overview

A twin-engine aircraft experienced a left engine fire while on a night approach to Tullahoma Airport. The crew managed to extinguish the fire and feathered the affected propeller. However, the pilot subsequently missed the runway, prompting the captain to initiate a go-around. During this maneuver, the airplane stalled and crashed.

Occupants and Damage

Both occupants on board sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.

Official Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a fire on the left engine due to a fuel line failure during the approach. The following factors were reported:

  • Loose parts
  • Failed to maintain flying speed
  • Fire in engine
  • Low ceiling
  • Obstructions to vision
  • Suspected or known aircraft damage
  • Loose fuel line
In-flight fire & smoke

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Feb 1974 Beechcraft D18 accident near Tullahoma-William Northern Field, United States of America?

During a night approach to Tullahoma Airport, a left engine fire occurred. After extinguishing the fire and feathering the propeller, the pilot missed the runway. A go-around was attempted but the airplane stalled and crashed, injuring both occupants and destroying the aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Feb 1974 Beechcraft D18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Feb 1974 involved a Beechcraft D18, registration N313A, operated by Semo Aviation, at Tullahoma-William Northern Field, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Fire on left engine after a fuel line failed on approach. The following factors were reported: - Loose parts, - Failed to maintain flying speed, - Fire in engine, - Low ceiling, - Obstructions to vision, - Suspected or known aircraft damage, - Loose fuel line.

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