# NTSB ATL01LA022: Lake LA-4-200, N12E, Orlando, FL, January 16, 2001 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: January 16, 2001, 09:15 local (14:15 UTC) - Place: Orlando, FL - Coordinates: 28.4892, -81.290931 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.4892&lon=-81.2909&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report August 21, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: ORLANDO FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 53232 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL01LA022 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/53232/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL01LA022 ## Probable cause THE OTHER MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL'S FAILURE TO COMPLETE PRESCRIBED INSPECTIONS THAT RESULTED IN THE FAILURE OF A FUEL BLOCK DRAIN ASSEMBLY FITTING , CORROSION OF THE BATTERY GROUNDING STRAP AND THE SUBSEQUENT FLASH EXPLOSION. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, standing - starting engine(s) - electrical system,battery - corroded (cause) - maintenance,inspection - not followed, pilot in command (cause) - fuel system,line fitting - cracked (cause) - Explosion, standing - starting engine(s) ## Analysis The pilot was attempting to start the engine when an explosion occurred. He stated that he did not detect any fumes prior to engine start. A crack was found on a fuel block drain assembly fitting and corrosion of the battery grounding strap was also discovered. Maintenance inspection procedures for the airplane requires a 30 day inspection of both the battery grounding strap for corrosion and the fuel lines for damage. ## Factual narrative On January 16, 2001, at 0915 eastern standard time, a Lake LA-4-200, N12E, experienced a flash explosion while the pilot attempted to start the engine at the Orlando Executive Airport in Orlando, Florida. The personal flight was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the explosion. The airplane sustained substantial structural damage. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. The explosion occurred during the first engine start of the day at 0915. The pilot stated he did not detect any fumes prior to engine start. He reported draining the hull as recommended to remove any accumulated water and fuel vapor after the previous flight. The engine turned over twice before the explosion occurred. The examination of the airplane revealed the explosion occurred in the rear cabin area of the airframe. Blue fuel stains were found on fuel lines and fittings inside the enclosed fuel system compartments. A crack was found on a fuel block fitting of the fuel drain assembly. The main fuel tank and associated fuel components are in close proximity to the battery installation. During the post-accident examination of the airplane, corrosion was discovered on the battery grounding strap. The annual inspection was completed on October 20, 2000, about three months before the accident. Section D, item 2, of the Lake-4-200 Maintenance Inspection Procedures states "Check battery , box and cable (check at least every 30 days). Section D, item 7, states, "check fuel lines, valves and gauges for damage and operation" of the airplane includes checking the battery and ground strap for corrosion and the fuel system and fittings for leaks. No record of the ground strap inspection was discovered. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N12E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N12E-2001-08-06), registration cancelled 2001-08-06, S/N 932, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Lake LA-4-200 - Registry model: [Consolidated Aeronautics LAKE LA-4-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/consolidated-aeronautics-lake-la-4-200) (registry code 2400108) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 932 - Airframe hours: 2160 - Engines: Lycoming IO360 A1B6 200 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: George Kirby - Registered owner: Lake 12e Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 20, 2000, 30 hours before - Departed: ORL, ORLANDO, FL - Destination: ORL, ORLANDO, FL - Airport: ORL, Orlando Executive ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 61; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review May 11, 2001; seat: left; flight hours: 2,478 total, 643 in this make and model, 2,284 as pilot in command, 41 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 90° at 3 knots - Visibility: 3 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 34 °F - Altimeter: 30.15 inHg - Observed at: ORL ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20010116004489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010116004489A), Jan 16, 2001: Conaer LA4200, Orlando, FL, No damage. (-23) During the initial engine starting procedure (cranking engine with starter energizer) an explosion occurred. The explosion caused substantial damage to… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.