Narrative:
During maintenance at RAAF Edinburgh a filled oxygen cylinder was accidently disconnected. The fitter attempted to refit the regulator but the pressure was too great and a fire had started by then. The oxygen fed the fire which then gutted the interior. Seven people were working in the area and two suffered flash burns.
CONCLUSIONS
The high pressure oxygen supply system for Orion aircraft, both on board and off, contained a range of deficiencies. It was only a question of time before a catastrophic event such as the fire in A9-300 occurred. The most probable cause of ignition for the fire in A9-300 was a thermite reaction involving aluminium, with or without, either (or both) iron oxide and copper oxide. Energy for the initiation of the reaction probably came from metal particle impact associated with high gas velocities present in the oxygen system at the time (due to a defective poppet valve). That the metal fire started at the time when an attempt was made to close the venting line to the No.2 Oxygen cylinder may not have been coincidental.
The role of oxides other than ferric oxide (in the form of rust) and other metals in the ignition of aluminium metal in the presence of oxygen is poorly understood.
The dearth of information on the ignition of metals in the presence of contaminants draws attention to the need for fundamental research in this area. The goal of such research should be to:
(a) provide a rational basis for oxygen system cleaning and maintenance procedures; and
(b) improve the safety characteristics of the oxygen equipment.
» The Lockheed File
» RAAF Orion A9-300 oxygen fire / DoD DSTO
accident date: 27-01-1984
type: Lockheed P-3B Orion
registration: A9-300
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Friday 27 January 1984 |
| Type: |  Lockheed P-3B Orion |
| Operator: | Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF |
| Registration: | A9-300 |
| MSN: | 185-5410 |
| First flight: | 1968 |
| Engines: | 4 Allison T56-A14 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | Edinburgh RAAF Station, SA ( Australia)
|
| Phase: | Standing (STD) |
| Nature: | Military |
| Departure airport: | - |
| - |
During maintenance at RAAF Edinburgh a filled oxygen cylinder was accidently disconnected. The fitter attempted to refit the regulator but the pressure was too great and a fire had started by then. The oxygen fed the fire which then gutted the interior. Seven people were working in the area and two suffered flash burns.
Probable Cause:
CONCLUSIONS
The high pressure oxygen supply system for Orion aircraft, both on board and off, contained a range of deficiencies. It was only a question of time before a catastrophic event such as the fire in A9-300 occurred. The most probable cause of ignition for the fire in A9-300 was a thermite reaction involving aluminium, with or without, either (or both) iron oxide and copper oxide. Energy for the initiation of the reaction probably came from metal particle impact associated with high gas velocities present in the oxygen system at the time (due to a defective poppet valve). That the metal fire started at the time when an attempt was made to close the venting line to the No.2 Oxygen cylinder may not have been coincidental.
The role of oxides other than ferric oxide (in the form of rust) and other metals in the ignition of aluminium metal in the presence of oxygen is poorly understood.
The dearth of information on the ignition of metals in the presence of contaminants draws attention to the need for fundamental research in this area. The goal of such research should be to:
(a) provide a rational basis for oxygen system cleaning and maintenance procedures; and
(b) improve the safety characteristics of the oxygen equipment.
Classification:
Damaged on the ground
Sources:
» ARL / DSTO» The Lockheed File
» RAAF Orion A9-300 oxygen fire / DoD DSTO
Photos
accident date: 27-01-1984
type: Lockheed P-3B Orion
registration: A9-300
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
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