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NTSB Report
July 17, 1985 · Bellanca 14-19-3 · N7620E
Gatesville, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 17, 1985
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Gatesville, TX
Aircraft
Bellanca 14-19-3
Tail Number
N7620E
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW85LA289
THE ACFT WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE AFTER EXECUTING AN EMERGENCY LANDING FOLLOWING AN INFLIGHT FIRE AND ENG FAILURE. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE PLT SMELLED ELECTRICAL INSULATION OVERHEATING AND NOTICED A DECREASE IN FUEL PRESSURE. FIRE BROKE OUT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENG COWL. THE ACFT WAS LANDED HARD DUE TO RESTRICTED VISIBIITY FROM SMOKE ENTERING THE COCKPIT. SUSPECT THAT THE SEAL ON THE ENG MOUNTED FUEL PUMP FAILED ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE PUMP HOUSING FIRE DAMAGE TO THE PUMP PRECLUDED EXACT IDENTIFICATION OF THE FAILURE MODE.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE AFTER EXECUTING AN EMERGENCY LANDING FOLLOWING AN INFLIGHT FIRE AND ENG FAILURE. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE PLT SMELLED ELECTRICAL INSULATION OVERHEATING AND NOTICED A DECREASE IN FUEL PRESSURE. FIRE BROKE OUT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENG COWL. THE ACFT WAS LANDED HARD DUE TO RESTRICTED VISIBIITY FROM SMOKE ENTERING THE COCKPIT. SUSPECT THAT THE SEAL ON THE ENG MOUNTED FUEL PUMP FAILED ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE PUMP HOUSING FIRE DAMAGE TO THE PUMP PRECLUDED EXACT IDENTIFICATION OF THE FAILURE MODE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:10 CDT
Nearest AirportGateville Municipal (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length3400 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireIflt
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBellanca 14-19-3
Tail NumberN7620E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Unknown
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 8 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:54
Weather SourceWFAC