Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary FTW96LA252

HOUSTON, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N41HR

Harmon RV-3 ROCKET

Analysis

During landing on runway 12L at the William P. Hobby Airport, Houston, Texas, the pilot noticed flames between his feet. He exited the runway to the left and deplaned. Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed that a high pressure fuel line on the right side of the engine, had a hole burned into it. The fuel line had been improperly installed to within one inch of the exhaust pipe. Further examination revealed that the right main landing gear had been damaged by a 'previous landing,' and an aft engine mount had a break that 'appeared to be old.' The airplane was destroyed by the fire.

Factual Information

On June 17, 1996, at 0927 central daylight time, a Harmon RV-3 Rocket, N41HR, registered to and operated by a private owner as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, was destroyed by fire during landing near Houston, Texas. The private pilot was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from Madison, Mississippi, at 0800. The pilot reported that he landed on runway 12L at the William P. Hobby Airport, Houston, Texas. During the roll out, when the tail touched down, he noticed flames between his feet. He exited the runway to the left and deplaned. Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed that a high pressure fuel line on the right side of the engine, had a hole burned into it. The fuel line had been improperly installed to within one inch of the exhaust pipe. Further examination revealed that the right main landing gear had been damaged by a "previous landing," and an aft engine mount had a break that "appeared to be old."

Probable Cause and Findings

The improper installation of the fuel line with insufficient clearance from the exhaust system, resulting in a hole being burned into the fuel line.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports