Narrative:While cruising at 10,000 feet the pilot reported that the right generator warning illuminated. He reset the generator and monitored its output. After an estimated 5 to 10 minutes of normal operation the right generator warning again illuminated. Simultaneously, the right engine fire warning activated and other warning lights illuminated. Several circuit breakers tripped. The pilot reported that he was unable to select right engine fuel cut off with the condition lever and could not feather the right propeller with the propeller control. He activated the right fire handle, transmitted a PAN and advised ATC that he was diverting to Young. The pilot was unable to land at Young due to fog but Cootamundra was reported clear. Approaching Cootamundra the pilot transmitted a MAYDAY due to smoke in the cabin and requested emergency services. He positioned the aircraft for an approach to runway 16 and selected the landing gear down but did not get any indication that it was down and locked. He warned the passengers to prepare for a belly landing and lowered full flap. Before touchdown he selected both propeller levers to the feathered position. The aircraft touched down on the extended right main landing gear and skidded along the runway on its nose, left engine nacelle and right main landing gear for approximately 400 m. It came to rest with fire in the right engine nacelle still burning.
Probable Cause:
SIGNIFICANT FACTORS:
1. Vibration from the worn armature shaft of the right starter generator resulted in a fractured fuel return line.
2. The armature shaft of the right engine starter generator failed in-flight.
3. Sparks or frictional heat generated by the failed starter generator ignited the combustible fuel/air mixture in the right engine accessory compartment.
4. Items on the engine fire emergency checklist were not completed, and the fire was not suppressed.
5. The operators CASA approved emergency checklist did not contain smoke evacuation procedures.
6. The pilot did not attempt to extend the landing gear using the emergency gear extension when he did not to get a positive indication that the gear was down and locked.
7. The aircraft landed on the right main landing gear and slid to a stop on the right main gear, left engine nacelle and nose.
Accident investigation:
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Investigating agency: | ATSB (Australia) |
Status: | Investigation completed |
Duration: | 1 year and 4 months | Accident number: | ATSB report 200102710 | Download report: | Final report
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Classification:
Engine fire
Runway excursion
Follow-up / safety actions
Four safety recommendations were issued:
R20020054/5/6 to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, FAA and Brazilian Departmento de Aviaço Civil to review the location of fire bottles on aircraft to reduce the possibility of a premature discharge of fire retardant where the temperature in the area that contains the fire bottle rises above the setting of the fusible valve.
And R20020057 to manufacturer Embraer to consider development of a modification for the fire suppression system of its aircraft so that a pilot is provided with an in flight indication of an uncommanded discharge of fire retardant.
ATSB issued 4 Safety Recommendations
Issued: 04-NOV-2002 | To: CASA | R20020054 |
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority review the location of fire bottles on aircraft to reduce the possibility of a premature discharge of fire retardant where the temperature in the area that contains the fire bottle rises above the setting of the fusible valve. |
Issued: 04-NOV-2002 | To: FAA | R20020055 |
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that the Federal Aviation Administration of the USA: a) Review location of fire bottles on aircraft to reduce the possibility of a premature discharge of fire retardant where the temperature in the area that contains the fire bottle rises above the setting of the fusible valve. b) Review the adequacy of the current requirements for fire-extinguishing systems to include a requirement that the pilot be provided with an in flight indication of an uncommanded discharge of fire retardant. |
Issued: 04-NOV-2002 | To: DCA Brazil | R20020056 |
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that the Departamento de Aviaco Civil - of Brazil review location of fire bottles on aircraft to reduce the possibility of a premature discharge of fire retardant where the temperature in the area that contains the fire bottle rises above the setting of the fusible valve. |
Issued: 04-NOV-2002 | To: Embaer | R20020057 |
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that Empresa Brasileira De Aeronautica consider development of a modification for the fire suppression system of its aircraft so that a pilot is provided with an in flight indication of an uncommanded discharge of fire retardant. |
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Photos
accident date:
25-06-2001type: Embraer 110P1 Bandeirante
registration: VH-CRG
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does
not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Sydney-Kingsford Smith International Airport, NSW to Griffith Airport, NSW as the crow flies is 470 km (294 miles).
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.