Beech Warns of Wing Explosion Potential
October 08, 2008
Hawker Beechcraft has issued Safety Communique number 298, "strongly" recommending
inspections and prescribed maintenance practices to avoid repeats of wing explosions due to
electrical arcing and fuel leaks.
From the Safety Communique:
"Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) is issuing this Safety Communiqué to advise owners/
operators of a potential safety issue concerning fuel leaks into structural areas on Baron and
Bonanza Model airplanes.
"HBC has received three reports of fire and/or ignition of combustible flammable fluid or vapors
that occurred in the outboard wing of Baron Model airplanes. In each incident, the pilot and
passengers were able to exit the airplane and extinguish the fire with no injuries.
"The first incident investigation revealed maintenance was an issue. The right wing fuel cell was
replaced prior to the event and the “B” nut on the output side of the fuel boost pump leaked a
small amount of fuel which collected in the wheel well.
"The second incident investigation did not reveal the source of the fuel vapor and the ignition
source of the fire because of the extent of the damage.
"The third incident investigation revealed evidence of electrical arcing between electrical wiring
and structure. A vent line was left disconnected and an air leak was found on the aft side of the
fuel cap assembly at the interior fuel placard mounting rivets. Further examination revealed the
FUEL FULL placard and rivets were loose when moved by hand.
"Fire damage and skin buckling, skin rupture, and ballooning were noted on the outboard wing of
each incident airplane. HBC strongly reminds all owners/operators of the importance of
performing proper safety inspections and maintenance practices on the fuel and electrical
systems in accordance with Chapters 5, 24, and 28 of the respective airplane Maintenance
Manual and Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 91, Subpart E.
ABS: Beech Warns of Wing Explosion Potential
ABS: Beech Warns of Wing Explosion Potential (1 of 2)22/10/2008 8:03:16 PM
ABS: Beech Warns of Wing Explosion Potential
"Any damaged wiring must be replaced or repaired.... HBC will issue wiring security and fuel full
placard inspection and maintenance revisions to the appropriate airplane Maintenance Manual
[s]...."
For more details read Safety Communique 298.