What happened
On 30 March 2004, a Cessna T310R, registration N6834L, departed Leeds Bradford Airport for a private flight to Connaught, Ireland. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported a smell of smoke in the cockpit, which was caused by a fire in the nose baggage compartment near the cabin heater. Consequently, the pilot requested to return to Leeds Bradford Airport.
During the return maneuver, the aircraft's radar transponder and GPS signals ceased, and radio contact was lost. Radar data indicated the aircraft performed a rapid descent and a series of steep turns. While a witness observed the aircraft flying slowly and appearing stable just seconds before impact, the ground marks were consistent with an uncontrolled crash. The aircraft struck a sloping field near Lanesshaw Bridge, resulting in 1 fatality.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the wreckage and the aircraft's maintenance history. Investigators found evidence of fire and heat damage specifically within the nose section, concentrated around the combustion heater. The examination of the heater revealed that the fuel supply line had not been upgraded to a stainless steel version as recommended by a manufacturer service bulletin.
Post-mortem examinations confirmed the pilot died from injuries sustained during the impact and showed no evidence of smoke inhalation or incapacitation. Investigators also analyzed radar tracks and GPS data, noting that the pilot likely switched off the aircraft's master switches to reduce electrical load, which explains the loss of secondary radar information.
Findings
- A fire originated in the nose compartment in the vicinity of the cabin heater.
- The fuel line serving the heater was the original aluminium alloy type, which had not been replaced with the safer stainless steel alternative recommended in a service bulletin.
- The pilot was managing a high workload due to the emergency, the need to navigate without a clear horizon, and the requirement to follow emergency procedures for smoke in the cabin.
- The aircraft's nose compartment lacked adequate fire detection and suppression systems due to the older certification standards under which it was originally designed.
Safety action
- The FAA is recommended to implement inspection and maintenance requirements for combustion heaters in Part 23 aircraft to ensure detailed inspections occur at specific calendar intervals.