N1698M Curtis C46 accident

NTSB FTW82FRG20 · 1982-01-07 · LAREDO, TX · near LRD

Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant

Factual 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.

Circumstances

Event type

Accident

Highest injury

None

Weather conditions

Visual Meteorological Cond

Light condition

Night/Dark

Sky condition

UNK

Ceiling (ft)

0

Wind direction

30

Wind speed (kt)

6

Nearest airport

LAREDO INTL

Distance from field

0.0

Airport elevation

0

Aircraft

Sequence of events

Findings