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NTSB Report
April 23, 1991 · Piper PA-22-108 · N5421Z
Millard, NE
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 23, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Millard, NE
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-108
Tail Number
N5421Z
Operator
Dale E Frimodt
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI91LA138
THE PILOT SAID THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, AN ELECTRICAL FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE PASSENGER'S SEAT. AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS MADE WHICH RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE AIRPLANE. THE AIRPLANE WAS DESTROYED BY A POST-LANDING FIRE. POST-ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE AIRPLANE HAD BEEN STARTED WITH A 24 VOLT BOOST INSTEAD OF A 12 VOLT BOOST WHICH RESULTED IN MELTED WIRES AND THE SUBSEQUENT SHORT AND FIRE.
NTSB Probable Cause
IMPROPER USE OF APU BY UNKNOWN PERSONNEL WHICH RESULTED IN THE AIRPLANE'S ELECTRICAL WIRING MELTING AND SUBSEQUENT SHORT.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT SAID THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, AN ELECTRICAL FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE PASSENGER'S SEAT. AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS MADE WHICH RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE AIRPLANE. THE AIRPLANE WAS DESTROYED BY A POST-LANDING FIRE. POST-ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE AIRPLANE HAD BEEN STARTED WITH A 24 VOLT BOOST INSTEAD OF A 12 VOLT BOOST WHICH RESULTED IN MELTED WIRES AND THE SUBSEQUENT SHORT AND FIRE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:40 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireBoth
Aircraft ExplosionBoth
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-22-108
Tail NumberN5421Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorDale E Frimodt
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-C1B · Reciprocating · 108
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 14 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time17:50
Weather SourceWFAC