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NTSB Report
December 11, 1995 · Aero Commander 112 · N88MS
Memphis, TN
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 11, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Memphis, TN
Aircraft
Aero Commander 112
Tail Number
N88MS
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA96LA038
THE PILOT STATED THAT HE REQUESTED A GROUND POWER UNIT (GPU) TO ASSIST WITH THE ENGINE START. THE FBO USED A 28-VOLT, 800-AMP GPU. THE AIRPLANE HAS A 12-VOLT SYSTEM. THE GPU WAS ATTACHED TO THE AIRPLANE, AND AFTER THE BATTERY SWITCH WAS TURNED ON THE BATTERY EXPLODED AND A FIRE ENSUED.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S AND GROUND PERSONNEL'S IMPROPER STARTING PROCEDURE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE COMMUNICATIONS BEING NOT UNDERSTOOD AND INADEQUATE TRAINING FOR BOTH THE PILOT AND GROUND PERSONNEL.
Full Narrative
On December 11, 1995, about 0730 central standard time, N88MS, an Aero Commander 112, registered to Hangar #2 Inc. experienced an explosion and fire on engine start at Memphis International Airport, Memphis, Tennessee, while initiating a 14 CFR Part 91 traffic show flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The pilot and reporter/passenger reported no injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged by the explosion and the subsequent fire. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated he requested a ground power unit to assist with the engine start. The FBO used a 28 volt, 800 amp unit. The airplane has a 12-volt system. After the battery switch was turned on, the battery exploded, and a fire ensued.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:30 CST
Nearest AirportMemphis International (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAero Commander 112
Tail NumberN88MS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-C1D6 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 7 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point23 C / 9 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time12:51
Weather SourceWFAC