# NTSB LAX94LA129: Piper PA-31-350, N4109D, Phoenix, AZ, February 21, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 21, 1994, 07:37 local (14:37 UTC)
- Place: Phoenix, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.429889, -112.009643 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4299&lon=-112.0096&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 14, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28669
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA129
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28669/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA129

## Probable cause

THE LOOSE MAIN FUEL LINE 'B' NUT DUE TO THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE RIGHT ENGINE BY COMPANY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Fire, landing - roll
  - fuel system,line - loose (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, company maintenance personnel (cause)

## Analysis

DURING THE LANDING ROLL-OUT, THE RIGHT ENGINE MAIN FUEL LINE 'B' NUT BECAME LOOSE CAUSING A FIRE IN THE ENGINE'S ACCESSORY  COMPARTMENT.  ONE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED ANKLE DURING THE EVACUATION PROCESS.  COMPANY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL REPLACED BOTH ENGINES THREE DAYS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT.

## Factual narrative

On February 21, 1994, at 0737 hours mountain standard time, a Piper PA-31-350, N4109D, right engine compartment caught fire during the landing roll-out on runway 08R at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Phoenix, Arizona.  The pilots were completing a visual flight rules scheduled commuter flight under Title 14 CFR Part 135.  The airplane, operated by Arizona Pacific Airlines, Prescott, Arizona, sustained minor damage.  The two flight crewmembers and one passenger were not injured.  Another passenger fractured his ankle during the evacuation process. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The flight originated at Ernest J. Love Field, Prescott, Arizona, at 0712 hours.

Both pilots reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that the local controller informed them of the fire shortly after touchdown.  When the pilot-in-command (PIC) applied the brakes, he noticed that the right brake was ineffective.  The PIC executed a left 180-degree turn to stop the airplane.

After the airplane stopped, the second-in-command (SIC) assisted the passengers evacuate the airplane through the main cabin door.  The PIC evacuated the airplane through the left front door.

Messrs. Paul Texter and Dean Hennies, Aviation Safety Inspectors, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Scottsdale [Arizona] Flight Standards District Office, conducted the on-scene investigation.  Inspector Texter reported that the origin of the fire was in the firewall area next to the main fuel line.  He also said that Inspector Hennies found the right main fuel line "B" nut loose, and that both engines were replaced on February 18, 1994.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4109D (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-31-350
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 31-8253012
- Engines: LYCOMING TSIO-540 350 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Minor damage
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Arizona Pacific Airlines
- Registered owner: Aviation Investment Ptnrship
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: PRC, PRESCOTT, AZ
- Destination: PHX, AZ
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: PHX, Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl, runway 8R, 10,300 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,820 total, 456 in this make and model, 1,550 as pilot in command, 250 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 8,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PHX

## 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 19940221002739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940221002739A), Feb 21, 1994: Piper PA31350, Phoenix, AZ, Minor damage. Engine fire on landing. No right brake. Ground looped to stop. Right engine fuel line b nut loose. Fuel on exhaust.

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.

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