On November 6, 1986, a Cessna 401 (registration N3219Q) operated by South Aero Service was involved in an aviation accident near Henderson, United States of America in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Explosion of fuel/air vapor in left wing; fire in left engine area; loss of control due to inadequate airspeed, pilot anxiety, and premature gear extension; collision with terrain from which recovery was not possible. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
Shortly after departure, an explosion in the left wing caused by fuel/air vapor ignited, leading to a fire in the left engine area. During a return to McCarran International Airport, the aircraft stalled, entered an uncontrollable left roll, and crashed, resulting in both occupants' deaths.
Events
Approximately five and a half minutes after departure and while the aircraft was climbing en route, an unknown ignition source triggered an explosion of fuel/air vapor within the interior of the left wing. The explosion caused loss of wing skin from both the upper and lower wing surfaces, although the wing structure remained integral. The pilots continued to fly the aircraft, executing a 180-degree course reversal back to McCarran International Airport.
Subsequent to the explosion, a fire developed within the left engine area. As the aircraft continued towards McCarran, airspeed gradually diminished. The landing gear were lowered, and shortly thereafter, the left wing entered a stall condition. This stall was brought about by a decrease in airspeed as well as the degradation of lift-developing capabilities due to the explosion-induced damage. The aircraft then entered an uncontrollable left roll several hundred feet above ground, from which a successful recovery could not be executed. Both occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official findings identified four occurrences:
- Occurrence #1: Explosion during climb to cruise, caused by fuel fumes in the wing.
- Occurrence #2: Fire in the left engine assembly during maneuvering (turn to reverse direction).
- Occurrence #3: Loss of control in flight during emergency descent, attributed to inadequate airspeed (pilot in command), anxiety/apprehension (pilot in command), and premature gear extension (pilot in command).
- Occurrence #4: In-flight collision with terrain during uncontrolled descent, with remedial action not possible for the pilot in command.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 6 Nov 1986 Cessna 401 accident near Henderson, United States of America?
Shortly after departure, an explosion in the left wing caused by fuel/air vapor ignited, leading to a fire in the left engine area. During a return to McCarran International Airport, the aircraft stalled, entered an uncontrollable left roll, and crashed, resulting in both occupants' deaths.
Were there any fatalities in the 6 Nov 1986 Cessna 401 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Nov 1986 involved a Cessna 401, registration N3219Q, operated by South Aero Service, at Henderson, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Explosion of fuel/air vapor in left wing; fire in left engine area; loss of control due to inadequate airspeed, pilot anxiety, and premature gear extension; collision with terrain from which recovery was not possible.