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NTSB Report
January 7, 1982 · Curtis C46 · N1698M
Laredo, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 7, 1982
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Laredo, TX
Aircraft
Curtis C46
Tail Number
N1698M
Operator
South Central Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW82FRG20
WHILE PERFORMING THE EXTERIOR INSPECTION THE PILOT NOTED THAT FUEL WAS DRIPPING FROM BOTH WINGS INBOARD OF THE FUEL TANKS AT THE REAR ATTACH ANGLE FAIRING PLATES. JUST AFTER STARTING THE RIGHT ENGINE AN EXPLOSION OCCURRED IN THE RIGHT WING. THE CREW SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE AND WHILE DEPARTING THE AIRCRAFT THE LEFT WING EXPLODED. EXAMINATION REVEALED BOTH THE RIGHT FRONT AND REAR FUEL TANK FILLER NECKS WERE LOOSE AND COULD BE TURNED BY HAND. THE FILLER NECK WASHER WAS CORRODED AND FILLER NECK SCUPPER WAS CRACKED.
Full Narrative
WHILE PERFORMING THE EXTERIOR INSPECTION THE PILOT NOTED THAT FUEL WAS DRIPPING FROM BOTH WINGS INBOARD OF THE FUEL TANKS AT THE REAR ATTACH ANGLE FAIRING PLATES. JUST AFTER STARTING THE RIGHT ENGINE AN EXPLOSION OCCURRED IN THE RIGHT WING. THE CREW SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE AND WHILE DEPARTING THE AIRCRAFT THE LEFT WING EXPLODED. EXAMINATION REVEALED BOTH THE RIGHT FRONT AND REAR FUEL TANK FILLER NECKS WERE LOOSE AND COULD BE TURNED BY HAND. THE FILLER NECK WASHER WAS CORRODED AND FILLER NECK SCUPPER WAS CRACKED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time00:45 CST
Nearest AirportLaredo Intl (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftCurtis C46
Tail NumberN1698M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSouth Central Aviation
Operating RulePart 125
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-2350 · Reciprocating · 2500
Seats69
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 54 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind30° @ 6 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point14 C / 0 C
Altimeter0