Narrative:While taxiing out the altimeter light flickered. The co-pilot pushed in the lights and received a shock. Flames and smoke erupted from behind the instrument panel, spreading along the right side of the cockpit, into the cabin. The aircraft burned out.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE:
"Fuselage,instrument/electrical panel .. shorted
Fuselage,instrument/electrical panel .. arcing
Electrical system, electric wiring .. arcing
Electrical system, electric wiring .. contamination
Electrical system, electric wiring .. fire
Oxygen system, crew .. burst
Fuselage, instrument/electrical panel .. fire
Fuselage .. Fire"
Classification:
Electrical system problem
Damaged on the ground
Sources:
» NTSB Identification: DCA83AA037
Follow-up / safety actions
NTSB issued 3 Safety Recommendations
Issued: 31-AUG-1983 | To: FAA | A-83-59 |
ISSUE AN EMERGENCY AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE TO OPERATORS OF SWEARINGEN SA 226-TC METRO AIRPLANES TO REQUIRE AN IMMEDIATE INSPECTION OF HYDRAULIC TUBING AND OXYGEN LINES IN THE VICINITY OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT BREAKER PANEL ON THE COPILOT\'S SIDE CONSOLE AND BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INSPECTION SHOULD BE CONDUCTED ACCORDING TO A PROCEDURE ADEQUATE TO DETECT LEAKAGE OR STRESS CRACKS WHICH COULD CAUSE FUTURE LEAKAGE WHEN THE SYSTEMS ARE PRESSURIZED. REQUIRE IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT OF HYDRAULIC OR OXYGEN LINES EXHIBITING DEFECTS. FURTHER, REQUIRE OPERATORS TO COMPLY WITH FAIRCHILD AIRCRAFT CORPORATION SERVICE BULLETIN 32-018 TO USE FIRE-RESISTANT HYDRAULIC FLUID. (Closed - Acceptable Action) |
Issued: 31-AUG-1983 | To: FAA | A-83-60 |
DETERMINE THE APPLICABILITY OF THIS PROBLEM AND CORRECTIVE ACTION TO OTHER MODELS OF SWEARINGEN AIRPLANES, AND IF NECESSARY, INCLUDE THESE AIRPLANE MODELS IN THE AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE. (Closed - Acceptable Action) |
Issued: 31-AUG-1983 | To: FAA | A-83-61 |
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MANUFACTURER, DETERMINE THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE HYDRAULIC TUBING IN SWEARINGEN SA 226-TC METRO AIRPLANES TO STRESS OR FATIGUE CRACKING, PARTICULARLY WHERE SUCH TUBING IS ROUTED IN THE VICINITY OF ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY, AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO ESTABLISH LIFE LIMITS, TO REPLACE TUBING WITH ASSEMBLIES NOT SUSCEPTIBLE TO STRESS OR FATIGUE FAILURE, AND IF NECESSARY, TO REROUTE TUBING TO ASSURE THAT LEAKAGE WILL NOT PRESENT A FIRE HAZARD. (Closed - Acceptable Action) |
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Photos
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 Hot Springs-Memorial Field, AR to Little Rock National Airport, AR as the crow flies is 84 km (52 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.