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NTSB Report
August 14, 1989 · Skelton Emeraude · N82D
Watsonville, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 14, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Watsonville, CA
Aircraft
Skelton Emeraude
Tail Number
N82D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX89DVM05
DURING AN APCH TO LND, THE PLT & PSGR NOTED SMOKE IN THE COCKPIT & SAW FLAMES COMING THRU THE FLOOR IN THE VCNTY OF THE PLT'S RUDDER PEDALS. A SAFE LNDG WAS MADE & THE CREW EGRESSED THE BURNING ACFT. THE HOME BUILT ACFT WAS EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC FUEL LINES FROM THE CARBURETOR TO THE FUEL SCREEN ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FIRE WALL. ALSO, PLASTIC FLEX LINES WERE (APPARENTLY) USED FROM THE BRAKE PEDALS TO THE BRAKE CYLINDERS. BOTH LINES WERE MELTED BY FIRE. THE FUSELAGE, WINGS & EMPENNAGE WERE DESTROYED BY FIRE.
NTSB Probable Cause
AN INADEQUATE FUEL LINE, DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION BY THE OWNER/BUILDER, FUEL LINE FAILURE, FUEL LINE LEAK, AND A SUBSEQUENT FIRE.
Full Narrative
DURING AN APCH TO LND, THE PLT & PSGR NOTED SMOKE IN THE COCKPIT & SAW FLAMES COMING THRU THE FLOOR IN THE VCNTY OF THE PLT'S RUDDER PEDALS. A SAFE LNDG WAS MADE & THE CREW EGRESSED THE BURNING ACFT. THE HOME BUILT ACFT WAS EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC FUEL LINES FROM THE CARBURETOR TO THE FUEL SCREEN ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FIRE WALL. ALSO, PLASTIC FLEX LINES WERE (APPARENTLY) USED FROM THE BRAKE PEDALS TO THE BRAKE CYLINDERS. BOTH LINES WERE MELTED BY FIRE. THE FUSELAGE, WINGS & EMPENNAGE WERE DESTROYED BY FIRE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireIflt
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSkelton Emeraude
Tail NumberN82D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290-G · Reciprocating · 125
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 6 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 54
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:00
Weather SourceWFAC