Beechcraft 95-C55 Baron, VH-ASW, Lake Nash NT, 6 October 1989

198903813

Summary

When approaching Lake Nash the pilot had selected the fuel boost pumps to low in accordance with the manufacturer's operating handbook. He started to smell fuel so he turned the pumps off. After landing he shut down and unloaded the appropriate freight. On start up he did not smell any fuel but, at about 40 knots on the takeoff run, the left wing tip exploded and the aircraft caught fire. The pilot brought the aircraft to a stop off the strip and evacuated the aircraft. He was unable to recover any of his documents before the aircraft was totally destroyed by fire. Examination by an engineer indicated that the fire may have started in the left wheel well area and that fuel vapour in the wing had exploded through the wing tip.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198903813
Occurrence date 06/10/1989
Location Lake Nash
Report release date 07/12/1989
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Fire
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Beech Aircraft Corp
Model 95
Registration VH-ASW
Serial number TE-402
Operation type Charter
Departure point Lake Nash NT
Destination Tennant Creek NT
Damage Destroyed