# NTSB MIA96LA038: Aero Commander 112, N88MS, Memphis, TN, December 11, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: December 11, 1995, 07:30 local (13:30 UTC) - Place: Memphis, TN - Coordinates: 35.029594, -90.009857 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0296&lon=-90.0099&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 29, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 37957 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA96LA038 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37957/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA96LA038 ## Probable cause THE PILOT'S AND GROUND PERSONNEL'S IMPROPER STARTING PROCEDURE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE COMMUNICATIONS BEING NOT UNDERSTOOD AND INADEQUATE TRAINING FOR BOTH THE PILOT AND GROUND PERSONNEL. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Fire/explosion, standing - starting engine(s) - starting procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause) - inadequate training, pilot in command (contributing factor) - communications - not understood, pilot in command (contributing factor) - starting procedure - improper, ground personnel (cause) - inadequate training, ground personnel (contributing factor) - communications - not understood, ground personnel (contributing factor) ## Analysis THE PILOT STATED THAT HE REQUESTED A GROUND POWER UNIT (GPU) TO ASSIST WITH THE ENGINE START. THE FBO USED A 28-VOLT, 800-AMP GPU. THE AIRPLANE HAS A 12-VOLT SYSTEM. THE GPU WAS ATTACHED TO THE AIRPLANE, AND AFTER THE BATTERY SWITCH WAS TURNED ON THE BATTERY EXPLODED AND A FIRE ENSUED. ## Factual narrative On December 11, 1995, about 0730 central standard time, N88MS, an Aero Commander 112, registered to Hangar #2 Inc. experienced an explosion and fire on engine start at Memphis International Airport, Memphis, Tennessee, while initiating a 14 CFR Part 91 traffic show flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The pilot and reporter/passenger reported no injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged by the explosion and the subsequent fire. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated he requested a ground power unit to assist with the engine start. The FBO used a 28 volt, 800 amp unit. The airplane has a 12-volt system. After the battery switch was turned on, the battery exploded, and a fire ensued. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N88MS](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N88MS-2018-01-17), registration cancelled 2018-01-17, S/N 97, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: AERO COMMANDER 112 - Registry model: [Aero Commander 112](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-112) (registry code 0144701) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 97 - Airframe hours: 127 - Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1D6 200 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Part 91 - Registered owner: Jim Lofin - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 15, 1995, 30 hours before - Departed: MEM - Airport: MEM, Memphis International ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 34; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,779 total, 10 in this make and model, 680 as pilot in command, 161 in the last 90 days, 74 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 180° at 7 knots - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 23 °F, dew point 9 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: MEM ## 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 19951211043989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951211043989A), Dec 11, 1995: Gulstm 112, Memphis, TN, Substantial damage. (.4)The pilot stated that he requested a ground power unit (gpu) to assist with the engine start. The FBO used a 28-volt, 800-AMP gpu. The airplane has a… ## Other investigations on N88MS (1) 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. - [NTSB NYC74FNE08](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC74FNE08), Oct 10, 1973: Aero Comdr 112 (N88MS), Hartford, CT, substantial damage 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.