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Cargo Aircraft Crashes After In-Flight Fire or Explosion Near Mercer (N69338)

Mercer, United States of AmericaFlight

On September 28, 1977, a Cessna 402 (registration N69338) operated by Sky Line Flying Services was involved in an aviation accident near Mercer, United States of America in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fire or explosion in flight due to inadequate inspection of aircraft by maintenance personnel. Contributing factors include powerplant exhaust system manifold fatigue fracture, fuel system lines and fittings leakage, excessive temperature, fire in wing, high… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine cargo aircraft en route from Buffalo to Beaver Falls experienced a fire or explosion at cruising altitude, leading to a loss of height and crash into a corn field near Mercer. The aircraft was destroyed and both crew members were killed. The probable cause was a fire or explosion due to inadequate inspection by maintenance personnel.

Incident Overview

During a cargo flight from Buffalo to Beaver Falls, a twin-engine airplane suffered a fire or explosion while at cruising altitude. The aircraft subsequently lost height and crashed into a corn field located near Mercer. Upon impact, the aircraft was totally destroyed. Both crew members on board were killed.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was a fire or explosion in flight due to inadequate inspection of the aircraft by maintenance personnel. The following contributing factors were reported:

  • Powerplant - exhaust system: manifold fatigue fracture
  • Fuel system: lines and fittings leakage
  • Excessive temperature
  • Fire in wing
  • High obstructions
  • Manifold couple P/N085072-39 3 inches crack permitted exhaust gas into wing onto leaking fuel valve
In-flight fire & smoke

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