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April 7, 1996 · Mitsubishi MU-2B · N310MA

Batesville, MS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 7, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Batesville, MS
Aircraft
Mitsubishi MU-2B
Tail Number
N310MA
Operator
Ronald C Bingham
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL96LA078

The pilot reported that loss of power occurred in both engines after he entered the traffic pattern for a full stop landing. The airplane collided with trees during an emergency landing in a cotton field near the airport. Subsequent review of the aircraft maintenance logs disclosed that Mitsubishi MU-2 Service Bulletin (SB) 130A had not been accomplished on this airplane. According to the manufacturer, an inadvertent failure or the improper installation of a filler cap after refueling may cause an air pressure differential between the center and outboard portions of the main integral fuel tank. Air leakage from the filler cap may result in failure of the fuel transfer system to move fuel from the outboard tank section to the center tank section. To eliminate this possible malfunction, the operator was to remove vent check valves from the bulkhead between the tanks in accordance with SB 130A. The operator's maintenance policies required that company jet and turbo propeller aircraft be maintained under a maintenance program in accordance with FAR Parts 135.415, 135.417, 135.423, 135.443, and a corporate flight management approved aircraft inspection program (AAIP). The maintenance inspection program also included compliance with manufacturers' service bulletins and service letters.

NTSB Probable Cause

an anomaly in the fuel system that allowed a pressure differential to occur between the center and outer portions of the main integral fuel tank, which in turn resulted in fuel starvation of both engines. A factor relating to the accident was: failure of company maintenance personnel to remove fuel system vent check valves as recommended by Mitsubishi MU-2 Service Bulletin 130A.

Full Narrative

On April 7, 1996, at 1155 central daylight time, a Mitsubishi MU-2B, N310MA, collided with a tree and the ground during an emergency landing near Panola County Airport, in Batesville, Mississippi. The personal flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and the pilot had filed an instrument plan for this flight. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the private pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight departed Montgomery, Alabama, at 1055 hours. According to the pilot, both engines quit after he entered the traffic pattern for a full stop landing. The pilot confirmed that the fuel selectors were in the on position and feathered both propellers. He selected an open field, and made an emergency landing one mile south of the airport. The airplane collided with a tree during the emergency landing. A review of the aircraft maintenance logs disclosed that Service Bulletin No. 130A had not been accomplished on this airplane. According to a manufacturer field report, an improperly installed filler cap after refueling, may cause an air pressure head between the center tank and outboard tanks. The air leakage from the filler cap resulted in a possible failure of the fuel transfer system to transfer fuel from the outboard tank to the center tank. To eliminate this possible malfunction, the operator is instructed to remove vent check valves from the bulkhead between the tanks. A review of the company's maintenance policies, stated that the company jet and turbo propeller aircraft shall be maintained under a maintenance program in accordance with FAR Parts 135.415, 135.417, 135.423- 135.443, and corporate flight management approved aircraft inspection program (AAIP). The maintenance inspection program also included compliance with manufacturers service bulletins and service letters. The wreckage examination revealed that enough fuel was in the fuel system to operate the engines. During the wreckage examination, the right engine assembly , still attached to the airframe, was started and ran for several minutes using fuel from the aircraft fuel supply (see attached inspector's report). Impact damage prevented the functional check of the left engine assembly. The visual and physical examination of the left engine assembly failed to disclose a mechanical problem.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:55 CDT
Nearest AirportBatesville (1nm SW)
Runway1
Runway Length4800 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMitsubishi MU-2B
Tail NumberN310MA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRonald C Bingham
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsGarrett · TPE-331-1151A · Turboprop · 665
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 38 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 7 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 18000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 37 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data