Date & Time:
Sep 28, 1977 at 0758 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 402
Operator:
Sky Line Flying Services
Registration:
N69338
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Buffalo - Beaver Falls
MSN:
402B-0447
YOM:
1973
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
2
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
0
Other fatalities:
0
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total hours on type:
454
Circumstances:
While in cruising altitude on a cargo flight from Buffalo to Beaver Falls, the twin engine airplane suffered an fire/explosion. It lost height and crashed in a corn field located near Mercer. The aircraft was totally destroyed upon impact and both crew members were killed.
Probable cause:
Fire or explosion in flight due to inadequate inspection of 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.
- 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.
Final Report:
N69338.pdf106.31 KB
