CAC/IAANZ P68 explodes while undergoing maintenance - engineer badly burnt
ZK-NMK a P68 exploded into flames today just after 4pm (wed).
Final touches were being done on it after a double engine change and overhaul when the accident occurred. I had just finished flying when there was a loud explosion and smoke started billowing out the front of the hangar. Three engineers had been working on it and one of them has been badly burnt and is in Christchurch hospital. Airport crash/fire managed to get over to the club in time before the hangar itself caught fire. Other aircraft in the hangar including the cub were pulled out undamaged.
We were later moved out of the complex as a precaution for fear that an LPG cylinder near the aircraft could ignite. I will post more details as they come to hand, however my thoughts at the moment are with the engineer; may he make a full and speedy recovery.