Kununurra accident

[Jenna Talia]

Preliminary ATSB report has been released.

Investigation: AO-2022-026 - In-flight fire and collision with terrain involving Beechcraft B58 Baron, VH-NPT near East Kimberley Regional Airport, Kununurra, Western Australia on 16 April 2022

Lithium battery does not appear to be the cause.

[chimbu warrior]

And based on what I read in that report, the pilot did a remarkable job. Hope he makes a full recovery.

[43Inches]

Considering the similarity to the other occurrence it seems very prudent that B58 owners check for this wiring issue. Hopefully its not a manufacturing defect and more some misguided maintenance error that's limited to that part of the planet. Can't think of anything worse than an un-contained fuel fire near your feet, and the BCF will be haphazard if heat and fuel still remains in the area, with no shut off valve for the heater fuel prior to that point. Sounds like the pilot did do well in a bad situation.

[Bend alot]

Has been a heater disabled IAW the CASA AD in a B58 - fuel line corroded a pin hole behind CB panel. Fire was put out twice that day.

[junior.VH-LFA]

Well done to the pilot, a remarkable job in what must be one of the most challenging circumstances we can find ourselves in.