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NTSB Report
November 24, 1991 · Piper PA-31-T1040 PA-31-T104 · N24894
Portland, ME
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 24, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Portland, ME
Aircraft
Piper PA-31-T1040 PA-31-T104
Tail Number
N24894
Operator
Southern Cross Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC92LA036
THE AIRPLANE WAS ON A FERRY FLIGHT WITH AN AUXILIARY FUEL TANK IN THE FUSELAGE FOR INCREASED RANGE. DURING FUEL TRANSFER FROM THE AUXILIARY TANK TO THE MAIN WING TANK, THE FUEL PRESSURE BECAME EXCESSIVE AND THE WING TANK RUPTURED. THE PILOT SAID THE FUEL QUANTITY GAUGE WAS INACCURATE. THE WING TANK VENT SYSTEM WAS NOT ADEQUATE TO HANDLE THE EXCESSIVE FUEL BEING SUPPLIED BY THE AUXILIARY TANK. THE PILOT EXPERIENCED SOME FLIGHT CONTROL DIFFICULTY AFTER THE RUPTURE, BUT HE MANAGED TO LAND WITHOUT INCIDENT.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE DURING INFLIGHT FUEL TRANSFERRING, WHICH RESULTED IN THE RUPTURE OF THE WING TANK AND SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE TO THE WING. ALSO CAUSAL TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE INADEQUATE FUEL TANK VENT SYSTEM AND THE INACCURATE FUEL QUANTITY SYSTEM.
Full Narrative
THE AIRPLANE WAS ON A FERRY FLIGHT WITH AN AUXILIARY FUEL TANK IN THE FUSELAGE FOR INCREASED RANGE. DURING FUEL TRANSFER FROM THE AUXILIARY TANK TO THE MAIN WING TANK, THE FUEL PRESSURE BECAME EXCESSIVE AND THE WING TANK RUPTURED. THE PILOT SAID THE FUEL QUANTITY GAUGE WAS INACCURATE. THE WING TANK VENT SYSTEM WAS NOT ADEQUATE TO HANDLE THE EXCESSIVE FUEL BEING SUPPLIED BY THE AUXILIARY TANK. THE PILOT EXPERIENCED SOME FLIGHT CONTROL DIFFICULTY AFTER THE RUPTURE, BUT HE MANAGED TO LAND WITHOUT INCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-31-T1040 PA-31-T104
Tail NumberN24894
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSouthern Cross Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W · PT6-11 · Turboprop · 500
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDusk
WindCalm
Visibility3 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO