Flight Details
On 25 June 2001, an Embraer EMB-110P1 Bandeirante, registration VH-OZG, departed Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport at 0855 on a single-pilot instrument flight rules (IFR) charter flight to Griffith. The aircraft carried the pilot and eight passengers.
Fire Indications
At about 0945, while maintaining 10,000 ft, the master caution light illuminated, accompanied by a 'GENERATOR 2' warning light indicating the right generator no longer supplied power. After resetting, the pilot observed normal operation. Shortly after, the master warning light re-illuminated, circuit breakers tripped, and multiple alarm panel warnings appeared. The red 'FIRE' warning light on the right engine fire extinguisher 'T' handle illuminated with an aural fire alarm. The pilot silenced the alarm and performed the engine fire emergency checklist, but was unable to select fuel cut-off with the right fuel condition lever despite overriding the lock. The propeller lever did not stay in the feathered detent. The pilot discharged the fire bottle; the amber discharge light illuminated, then the fire alarm sounded again. Passengers observed lights and heard a continuous fire alarm.
Diversion and Landing
At 0956, the pilot notified ATS of a 'problem', then transmitted a PAN call reporting a fire. Nearby aerodromes were unavailable due to fog, so the pilot diverted to Young, 35 NM southeast. The pilot reported the fire extinguished, then confirmed a right engine fire was extinguished and requested emergency services at Young. Passengers later saw flames and white smoke from the right engine nacelle and smoke entering the cabin near the wing root. The pilot set the air conditioning to 'vent' and opened the left direct vision window, but closed it when ineffective.
Another aircraft reported Young clear but foggy to the north. On arrival, the pilot could not land due to fog and proceeded to Cootamundra, 27 NM south-southwest. An overflying airliner and a call to a Cootamundra operator confirmed clear conditions. At 1017, thick smoke entered the cabin; the pilot transmitted a MAYDAY from 9 NM out, reporting a serious fire and visual conditions. At 1021, the pilot approached runway 16 at Cootamundra. On late final, no landing gear indication appeared; the pilot did not use emergency extension due to time. Unaware the right main gear had extended, he instructed passengers for a 'belly' landing, lowered full flap, feathered propellers, and cut off fuel. The aircraft landed on only the right main gear, touching down about 260 m beyond the threshold. During rollout, it settled on the nose and left engine nacelle, skidded 450 m, veered left, and stopped on the grass strip east of the runway.
Occupants and Aftermath
The pilot and passengers were uninjured and evacuated via the cabin door and left overwing emergency exit. Maintenance personnel extinguished the right engine nacelle fire with portable extinguishers.