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NTSB Report

August 14, 2013 · Taylorcraft BC12-D1 · N44351

Eastport, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 14, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Eastport, MI
Aircraft
Taylorcraft BC12-D1
Tail Number
N44351
Operator
George Grissom
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CEN13LA490

The pilot reported that he noticed the smell of gasoline while in cruise flight about 5 to 8 miles from his intended destination. He stated that when the airplane was on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the smell of the gasoline became much stronger. During the landing flare, the engine stopped producing power, and the pilot smelled a very strong odor that he described as a burnt metal smell. After landing, the pilot departed the airplane quickly. About 45 seconds later, flames started coming out of the left side of the engine cowl. The fire spread, and within about 15 minutes, it had consumed most of the airplane. The examination of the wreckage revealed that the most extensive fire damage was located on the left rear side of the engine; however, the source of the fuel leak and fire could not be determined because of the fire damage.

NTSB Probable Cause

A fuel leak in the engine compartment and subsequent fire, the source of which could not be determined because of extensive postaccident fire damage.

Full Narrative

On August 14, 2013, at 1120 eastern daylight time, a Taylorcraft BC12-D1, N44351, was destroyed when it was consumed by fire after it landed at the Torchport Airport (59M), located near Easport, Michigan. The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The airplane departed Traverse City, Michigan, about 1050. The pilot stated that he noticed the smell of gasoline while in cruise flight about 5 to 8 miles from 59M. When the airplane entered the traffic pattern on downwind, the smell of the gasoline became much stronger. During the flare the engine quit, and he could smell a very strong odor that he described as being a burnt metal smell. After landing, he departed the airplane quickly. About 45 seconds later, flames started coming out of the left side of the engine cowl. The fire spread and within 15 minutes the fire had consumed most of the airplane. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage. He observed that the highest fire intensity was located on the left rear side of the engine; however, the source of the fire was not determined. The pilot reported that the maintenance logbooks and records were kept in the airplane and were consumed in the fire. The last annual inspection was in October 2012. The pilot flew the airplane for about 2.5 hours as part of the post maintenance check. He did not fly the airplane during the winter months. He flew for 1 hour and 15 minutes on a flight before the accident flight. He stated that the airplane flew fine and there were no indications of any anomalies. There was no maintenance performed on the fuel lines, carburetor, or gascolator after the 1+15 hour flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:20 EDT
Nearest AirportTorchport Airpark (0nm)
Runway04
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTaylorcraft BC12-D1
Tail NumberN44351
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorGeorge Grissom
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · A&C65 SERIES · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 66 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 48
Altimeter30.18 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data