Airplane Fuel and Electrical Systems on Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Twin Engine Airplanes.

FAA Aviation Safety SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN SAIB: CE-11-28 SUBJ: Airplane Fuel and Electrical Systems on Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Twin Engine Airplanes. Date: 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.

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2 For Further Information Contact

Thomas Teplik, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: (316) 946-4196; fax (316) 946-4107; e-mail:[email protected].

For Related Service Information Contact

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, KS 67201; phone: (316) 676-3140.