# NTSB MIA08FA114: Beech BE-58, N3106W, Jackson, MS, June 5, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report - Date: June 5, 2008, 07:07 local (12:07 UTC) - Place: Jackson, MS - Coordinates: 32.333889, -90.220001 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.3339&lon=-90.2200&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Explosion (non-impact)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/160) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 11, 2009 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA/FSDO, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation - NTSB case key (mKey): 68180 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA08FA114 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/68180/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=68180 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08FA114 ## Probable cause An outboard left wing explosion during takeoff due to the improper fuel cell installation and inadequate subsequent inspections by maintenance personnel. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Maintenance/inspections: scheduled maint checks](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01010520): Aircraft › Aircraft handling/service · Inadequate inspection (probable cause); cases with it: [All aircraft, 76 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01010520/cases.md) - [Maintenance: installation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035): Personnel issues › Task performance · Maintenance personnel (probable cause); cases with it: [All aircraft, 371 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035/cases.md) - [Fuel system: fuel storage](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022810): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Incorrect service/maintenance (probable cause); cases with it: [All aircraft, 60 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022810/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Explosion (non-impact)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/160) (defining event); cases with it: [All aircraft, 20 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/160/sequence.md) ## Analysis According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll and while traveling at about 50 knots, he heard an "explosion" and could feel a thud in the rudder pedals. He immediately looked up and saw damage on the left wing with black smoke coming out of a hole in the wing. The pilot stopped the airplane, exited and put out the fire with an onboard fire extinguisher. Examination of the airplane found a thermally damaged hose (vent line), which contained a tight hose clamp and crimped end within the clamp. The separated hose was found lying below the siphon break-bent line interconnect. The position of the clamped and crimped end was consistent with the hose being clamped prior to the break-bent line, which would have allowed the partially connected hose to separate from the break-bent line. The separation of the hose from the break-bent line interconnect would have allowed fuel vapor to accumulate within the wing's open cavities. Additionally, the landing light power wire was separated and the exposed end of the wire exhibited melting, and there was evidence of arcing that existed along the base of the structure (lighting hole) and adjacent interior upper wing skin. This arcing was likely the ignition source for the trapped fuel vapor. The outboard leading edge fuel cell was removed during the investigation and checked for leaks. The fuel cell was pressurized and an air leak was found on the aft side of the fuel cap assembly, at the interior fuel placard mounting rivets. The fuel full placard and rivets were found to be loose when moved by hand. The loose mounting rivets would have also been a source of fuel vapor, which would have contributed to the fuel vapors trapped in the wing. The left wing fuel cells were replaced about 13 months prior to the accident and the airplane's most recent 100-hour inspection was performed about 3 months prior to the accident. For 100-hour inspections, the airplane's maintenance manual contained instructions to examine fuel cells, vent lines, and electrical wiring. ## Factual narrative HISTORY OF FLIGHT On June 5, 2008, at 0707 central daylight time, a Beech BE-58, N3106W, registered to and operated by Jim Hankins Air Service, Inc., experienced an outboard left wing fire during takeoff roll from the Hawkins Field (HKS), Jackson, Mississippi. An instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the repositioning flight, operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot reported no injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, after being cleared for takeoff, he turned on the landing lights and strobes. During the takeoff roll, about 50 knots, he glanced to check the engine gauges just before rotation. He then heard an "explosion" and could feel a thud in the rudder pedals (like he had hit a runway centerline light). He immediately looked up and saw damage on the left wing with black smoke coming out of a hole in the wing. He closed the throttles and started to slow the airplane. As the airplane was slowing down, fire was observed coming out of the wing. The pilot stopped the airplane, exited and put out the fire with an onboard fire extinguisher. PERSONAL INFORMATION The pilot, age 26, held a commercial pilot certificate, with ratings for airplane single-engine land, airplane multiengine land, and instrument airplane, issued on September 1, 1998. He also held a certified flight instructor certificate, with ratings for airplane single-engine, airplane multiengine, and instrument airplane. His first-class medical certificate was issued on December 22, 2007, with no restrictions. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION The six-seat, low-wing, retractable-gear, twin-engine airplane was manufactured in 1973. It was powered by two Teledyne Continental Motors IO-520-C, 285-horsepower engines, and equipped two-bladed Hartzell Model PHC-J3YF-2UF constant-speed propellers. A review of the airplane's logbooks revealed that the airplane's left wing fuel cells (all three) were replaced on May 2, 2007, and the right wing fuel cells (all three) were replaced on November 20, 2007. The most recent annual inspection was performed on August 30, 2007, at a total time of 9,814.1 hours. The airplanes most recent 100-hour inspection was performed on February 25, 2008, at 10,013.3 hours. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION The 0735 surface weather observation at HKS was: winds 170 degrees at 10 knots, visibility 6 statute miles with haze, ceiling was overcast at 1300 feet, temperature 26 degrees Celsius, dewpoint temperature 22 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 29.95 inches of mercury. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION Examination of the airplane found that about 37 inches of the outboard left wing and wing tip remained attached, but exhibited compression buckling and fire damage. The upper wing skin panel, located inboard of the wing tip, was bent upward, which sheared four rivets on four ribs. The flexible hose stand-off, which connected the siphon break check valve to the outboard leading edge cell, was observed without an attached rubber hose or clamp (vent line). All other flexible hoses and hose clamps were secure and attached. A thermally damaged hose (vent line) was observed, which contained a tight hose clamp and crimped end within the clamp. The separated hose was found lying below the siphon break-bent line interconnect. The landing light remained attached by the outboard side of the mounting bracket. The landing light ground and power leads exhibited sooting, and the protective plastic coating was destroyed by fire, leaving the wires exposed. The ground wire remained connected and intact. The landing light power wire was separated and the exposed end of the wire exhibited melting, and there was evidence of arcing that existed along the base of the structure (lighting hole) and adjacent interior upper wing skin. The left strobe light remained intact and attached to the cannon plug. It exhibited thermal damage and the shield was partially melted. The outboard leading edge fuel cell was removed to facilitate a leak check. The fuel cell was pressurized with a regulated air source and checked for external leaks. An air leak was found on the aft side of the fuel cap assembly, at the interior fuel placard mounting rivets. Upon further examination, the fuel full placard and rivets were found to be loose when moved by hand. No visible fuel leaks or staining was observed around the vents or sump drains of the airplane. The fuel pump or fuel strainer did not exhibit any leaks or staining. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Review of the Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, Baron 55 and 58 Maintenance Manual, Table 601, 100-Hour Inspection, D Wings and Carry Through Structure, item 6, revealed "Fuel Cells and Vents - Inspect fuel cells and vent lines as indicated in 28-10-00, 201..." Further review of the maintenance manual, item 8, revealed "Electrical Wiring and Equipment - Inspect for chafing, damage, security and attachment." ## Aircraft - Registration: N3106W (not matched to a registry record) - Reported make and model: BEECH BE-58 - Category: Airplane - Serial number: TH-408 - Airframe hours: 10013.3 - Engines: Continental IO-520-C 285 horsepower reciprocating; Continental IO520-C 285 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Positioning, Part 91 - Operator: Jim Hankins Air Service, Inc. - Registered owner: Jim Hankins Air Service, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, February 25, 2008, 64.2 hours before - Departed: HKS, Jackson, MS - Destination: PNS, Pennsicola, FL - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: HKS, Hawkins Field, runway 16, 5,387 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 26; injuries: none; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review February 28, 2008; seat: left; flight hours: 2,525 total, 900 in this make and model, 2,387 as pilot in command, 65 in the last 90 days, 32 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn - Wind: 170° at 10 knots - Visibility: 6 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 1,300 ft overcast - Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 72 °F - Altimeter: 29.95 inHg - Observed at: HKS ## 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 20080605837579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080605837579A), Jun 5, 2008: Beech 58, Jackson, MS, Substantial damage. (-23) The pilot taxied onto runway 16 at Hawkins Field in Jackson Mississippi and prepared to takeoff. The pilot stated approximatley 15 seconds after turning… ## Docket (13 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 2, 2009, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=68180. 20.7 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 901 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40308163&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Pilot Statement (item 2, .PDF, 57 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40308162&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Other Pertinent Forms and Reports; Aircraft maintenance records. (item 3, .PDF, 376 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40309556&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Other%20Pertinent%20Forms%20and%20Reports;%20Aircraft%20maintenance%20records.-Redacted.PDF - Other Pertinent Forms and Reports; Beechcraft Maintenance Checklist. (item 4, .PDF, 375 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40308159&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Other%20Pertinent%20Forms%20and%20Reports;%20Beechcraft%20Maintenance%20Checklist.-Master.PDF - Other Pertinent Forms and Reports; Hawker Beechcraft Safety Communique' (item 5, .PDF, 105 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40308158&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Other%20Pertinent%20Forms%20and%20Reports;%20Hawker%20Beechcraft%20Safety%20Communique%27-Master.PDF - Weather Reports and Records; Metars (item 6, .PDF, 50 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40308160&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Reports%20and%20Records;%20Metars-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 7, .PDF, 95 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40308161&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Redacted.PDF - NTSB Digital Photo; Clamped Fuel Vent Hose (item 8, .PDF, 3.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40308164&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB%20Digital%20Photo;%20Clamped%20Fuel%20Vent%20Hose-Master.PDF - NTSB Digital Photo; Left Wing Damage (item 9, .PDF, 1.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40308166&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB%20Digital%20Photo;%20Left%20Wing%20Damage-Master.PDF - NTSB Digital Photo; Left Wing Trailing Edge Damage (item 10, .PDF, 3.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40308168&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB%20Digital%20Photo;%20Left%20Wing%20Trailing%20Edge%20Damage-Master.PDF - HBC Digital Photo; Loose Rivets on Fuel Filler (item 11, .PDF, 3.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40308170&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=HBC%20Digital%20Photo;%20Loose%20Rivets%20on%20Fuel%20Filler-Master.PDF - HBC Digital Photo; Electrical Arching at Lighting Hole (item 12, .PDF, 3.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40308165&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=HBC%20Digital%20Photo;%20Electrical%20Arching%20at%20Lighting%20Hole-Master.PDF - HBC Digital Photo; Molten Wiring From Landing Light Hot Wire (item 13, .PDF, 3.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40308171&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=HBC%20Digital%20Photo;%20Molten%20Wiring%20From%20Landing%20Light%20Hot%20Wire-Master.PDF 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.