PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Robinson R44 Accident Panama 19th Feb 09 3 fatalities
Old 28th Feb 2019, 10:50
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coptercop
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: sfo,CA
Age: 75
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Newest theory is fuel vapors and landing light switch spark

My newest theory of the cause of the crash is there were fuel vapors on the cabin, and Gary switched on the landing light to cross the airport. The switch would not be explosion proof, and may have ignited fuel vapors, blasting anything not tied down through the doors that have weak latches. That would have included Gary, if his harness were not fastened. If he had stayed in, he may have made a successful emergency landing.... I like to think he would.
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