Aircraft
Certification Service Washington, DC U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration
CE-11-28
April 8, 2011
This is information only. Recommendations
aren’t mandatory.
Introduction
This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) is intended to
inform you, owners, operators, and maintenance personnel, of an
airworthiness concern on Hawker Beechcraft Model 55, 56, and 58 series
Baron airplanes.
At this time, this airworthiness concern has not been determined to be
an unsafe condition that would warrant airworthiness directive (AD)
action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part
39.
Background
Since 2007, there are two reports of Baron airplanes that experienced
in-flight fire and/or ignition of combustible flammable fluids or
vapors in the outboard wing. One accident occurred during takeoff roll
and the pilot aborted the takeoff, exited the aircraft, and
extinguished the fire. A fuel vent line was found separated and there
was evidence of electrical wiring arcing.
The second accident occurred during cruise flight and the pilot felt a
“thump” and observed wing structural damage. The pilot landed the
aircraft at an airport, exited the aircraft, and extinguished the fire.
The cause of the fire could not be identified.
Two additional ground accidents in Baron airplanes were reported when a
fire and/or possible ignition of combustible flammable fluids or vapors
occurred during engine start.
Recommendations
The FAA recommends the following during the next scheduled inspection of those areas defined below or annually:
Pay particular attention to
wiring condition, proper security, and signs of wire chafing in areas
where fuel leakage and seepage may occur and/or fuel vapors may exist.
Ensure positive clearance
between lines carrying any flammable fluid or vapor (fuel, hydraulic,
etc.), oxygen lines, and electrical wiring.
Pay particular attention to
fuel tanks, fuel lines, fuel caps, and fuel vent lines; for leaks,
seepage, and/or accumulation of fuel vapor.
Pay particular attention to
fuel vent lines for condition, ensure fuel vent lines and hoses are
connected and properly clamped, and proper installation.