ASN Aircraft accident Learjet 35A N521PA Fresno, CA

Home » Database » 1994

Status:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured
Date:	Wednesday 14 December 1994
Time:	11:46
Type:	Learjet 35A
Operator:	Phoenix Air
Registration:	N521PA
MSN:	35A-239
First flight:	1979
Total airframe hrs:	6673
Cycles:	5254
Engines:	2 Garrett TFE731-2-2B
Crew:	Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2
Passengers:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0
Total:	Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2
Aircraft damage:	Destroyed
Aircraft fate:	Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location:	Fresno, CA ( United States of America)
Phase:	Approach (APR)
Nature:	Military
Departure airport:	Fresno Air Terminal, CA (FAT/KFAT), United States of America
Destination airport:	Fresno Air Terminal, CA (FAT/KFAT), United States of America

Narrative:
Improperly installed electrical wiring for special mission operations led to an in-flight fire that caused airplane systems and structural damage and subsequent airplane control difficulties. Crashed on East Olive Avenue while on approach to Fresno Air Terminal.

Probable Cause:

PROBABLE CAUSE: "1) improperly installed electrical wiring for special mission operations that led to an in-flight fire that caused airplane systems and structural damage and subsequent airplane control difficulties; 2) improper maintenance and inspection procedures followed by the operator; and 3) inadequate oversight and approval of the maintenance and inspection practice by the operator in the installation of the special mission systems."

Accident investigation:

Investigating agency:	NTSB
Status:	Investigation completed
Duration:	230 days (8 months)
Accident number:	NTSB/AAR-95/04
Download report:	Final report

Classification:

Electrical system problem
Inflight fire
Loss of control

Sources:

» NTSB-AAR-95-04

Follow-up / safety actions

NTSB issued 3 Safety Recommendations

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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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Issued: 17-OCT-1995	To: FAA	A-95-79
Publish an FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin that describes the circumstances of this accident, including the consequences of improper installation of the special mission wiring, where electrical power wires were unprotected by current limiters. In addition, emphasize that all major aircraft repairs and alterations requiring an FAA Form 337 must be performed in strict accordance with the technical data contained in the FAA Form 337, and that it is unacceptable to use similar work done on another aircraft as a technical guide in lieu of the infomation on the FAA Form 337. (Class IT, Priority Action) (Closed - Acceptable Action)
Issued: 17-OCT-1995	To: Phoenix Air	A-95-80
Conduct an in-depth audit of your maintenance program to ensure that all work is being done in accordance with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations, and particularly to ensure that mechanics and others involved in aircraft maintenance are consulting proper technical data when performing and inspecting aircraft. (Class II, Priority Action) (Closed - Acceptable Action)
Issued: 15-DEC-1995	To: US DoD	A-95-147
Centralize contractual oversight for safety for all Department of Defense components using contracted aircraft services. (Class II, Priority Action) (Closed - Acceptable Action)