Accident Lake LA-4-200 N12E, Tuesday 16 January 2001

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Date:	Tuesday 16 January 2001
Time:	10:15 LT
Type:	Lake LA-4-200
Owner/operator:	George Kirby
Registration:	N12E
MSN:	932
Total airframe hrs:	2160 hours
Engine model:	Lycoming IO360 A1B6
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Orlando, FL - United States of America
Phase:	Standing
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Orlando Executive Airport, FL (ORL/KORL)
Destination airport:	Orlando Executive Airport, FL (ORL/KORL)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The pilot was attempting to start the engine when an explosion occurred. He stated that he did not detect any fumes prior to engine start. A crack was found on a fuel block drain assembly fitting and corrosion of the battery grounding strap was also discovered. Maintenance inspection procedures for the airplane requires a 30 day inspection of both the battery grounding strap for corrosion and the fuel lines for damage.

Probable Cause: THE OTHER MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL'S FAILURE TO COMPLETE PRESCRIBED INSPECTIONS THAT RESULTED IN THE FAILURE OF A FUEL BLOCK DRAIN ASSEMBLY FITTING , CORROSION OF THE BATTERY GROUNDING STRAP AND THE SUBSEQUENT FLASH EXPLOSION.

Accident investigation: