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June 17, 1996 · Harmon RV-3 Rocket RV-3 Rocke · N41HR

Houston, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 17, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Houston, TX
Aircraft
Harmon RV-3 Rocket RV-3 Rocke
Tail Number
N41HR
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW96LA252

During landing on runway 12L at the William P. Hobby Airport, Houston, Texas, the pilot noticed flames between his feet. He exited the runway to the left and deplaned. Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed that a high pressure fuel line on the right side of the engine, had a hole burned into it. The fuel line had been improperly installed to within one inch of the exhaust pipe. Further examination revealed that the right main landing gear had been damaged by a 'previous landing,' and an aft engine mount had a break that 'appeared to be old.' The airplane was destroyed by the fire.

NTSB Probable Cause

The improper installation of the fuel line with insufficient clearance from the exhaust system, resulting in a hole being burned into the fuel line.

Full Narrative

On June 17, 1996, at 0927 central daylight time, a Harmon RV-3 Rocket, N41HR, registered to and operated by a private owner as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, was destroyed by fire during landing near Houston, Texas. The private pilot was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from Madison, Mississippi, at 0800. The pilot reported that he landed on runway 12L at the William P. Hobby Airport, Houston, Texas. During the roll out, when the tail touched down, he noticed flames between his feet. He exited the runway to the left and deplaned. Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed that a high pressure fuel line on the right side of the engine, had a hole burned into it. The fuel line had been improperly installed to within one inch of the exhaust pipe. Further examination revealed that the right main landing gear had been damaged by a "previous landing," and an aft engine mount had a break that "appeared to be old."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:27 CDT
Nearest AirportWilliam P. Hobby (0nm)
Runway12L
Runway Length5148 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHarmon RV-3 Rocket RV-3 Rocke
Tail NumberN41HR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 7 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time14:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data