IAD96LA153

While at 500 feet AGL, en route for an aerial application mission, the pilot noticed a slight loss of power and that fuel flow was below normal. He performed emergency procedures, which did not increase the fuel flow. The pilot started a turn, and about 10 seconds later, the engine completely lost power. The pilot discharged his load of seed to extend his glide, and observed that the engine cowling paint start to blister and smoke. The pilot completed a forced landing in an open field, where the airplane continued to burn. Examination of the wreckage revealed a leaking fuel hose in the engine compartment. The hose was stamped with a date denoting the first quarter of 1984 (1Q84). The airplane service manual stated that fluid carrying hoses in the engine compartment should be replaced during engine overhaul or every 5 years, whichever occurred first. The hose was installed 6 years and 7 months before the accident.

On September 25, 1996, at 1545 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 188, N3619J, sustained substantial damage during an in-flight fuel fire near Pataskala, Ohio. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 137. The airplane departed Morrow County Airport in Mount Gilead, Ohio on an aerial application flight.

In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that he departed for an application flight and climbed the airplane to 500 feet above ground level. While en route he observed a slight loss of power, and the fuel flow was about "10 gallons an hour below normal." He further stated:

"...Normal emergency procedures, fuel valve okay, mixture rich, emergency fuel pump boost on high with no increase of fuel flow. Started to make turn and 10 seconds later engine failure. Started to discharge wheat seed to extend glide, engine cowling paint blistered and started smoking."

The pilot completed an emergency landing and reported only fire damage to the airplane. An examination of the airplane was performed by a Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Inspector. The Inspector's report stated, "Fuel hose from throttle and control assembly to fuel manifold valve assembly failed a low pressure leak check of 20 PSI air pressure...The band on the hose had P/N 111F417-4S-0430, along with date of 1Q84 (1st quarter 1984), TSO C-53A..."

The owner reported that the hose was installed on February 20, 1990. According to the Cessna Service Manual, Model 188 & T188 Series, "All flexible fluid carrying hoses in the engine compartment should be replaced at engine overhaul or every five years, whichever occurs first."