The attached Safety Communique' No. 164 and Temporary Revision
No. 26-1 to the Beech 1900D Airliner Maintenance Manual, P/N
129-590000-15, are for your information.
October 1999
ALL BEECH MODEL 1900 SERIES OPERATORS, CHIEF PILOTS, DIRECTORS OF
OPERATIONS, DIRECTORS OF MAINTENANCE, AND ALL RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTERS, AND INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS AND
DEALERS
MODELS: BEECH 1900, SERIALS UA-2 AND UA-3; 1900C, SERIALS UB-1
THROUGH
UB-74, AND UC-1 THROUGH UC-174; 1900C (C-12J), SERIALS UD-1
THROUGH UD-6; AND 1900D), SERIALS UE-1 THROUGH UE-384.
SUBJECT: FIRE CAUSED BY ELECTRIC WIRE CHAFING FUEL LINE AND FIRE
EXTINGUISHER TEST
A report has been received of a fire that occurred in the right
main wheel well and adjacent outboard wing leading edge area of a
Beech 19000 airliner. The event occurred when the aircraft was
taxiing to the terminal following a night landing. The fire was
quickly extinguished by ground personnel. No injuries were incurred
by the flight crew or the passengers.
The fire originated in the equipment bay of the right wing leading
edge, just aft of the landing light (MS. 124.20, F.S. 280.50). The
fire spread into the wheel well area before it could be
extinguished by ground personnel.
The fire was detected by the crew when the master caution
annunciator illuminated, followed by the right AC buss "fail' and
the right fuel 'pressure low' annunciators. The crew then observed
smoke and flames coming from the right nacelle area at which time
the appropriate emergency procedures were initiated. It was later
determined that the right engine fire extinguisher system did not
function when activated.
Heat and fire related damage was confined to the right main landing
gear wheel well area, and some slight damage to the wing equipment
bay.
The cause of the fire has been determined to be electrical arcing
from an unsecured landing light chafed power wire contacting the
transfer systern fuel line located behind the landing light.
Chafing damage of the wire insulation resulted in wire strands
being exposed, thus allowing for electrical arcing to the fuel
transfer line causing a fuel leak that then ignited.
Raytheon Aircraft Company is issuing this Safety Communique in
order to urge all operators of affected 1900 series airplanes to
inspect wiring in the left and right wing equipment bays for signs
of distress or damage. Any damaged wiring is to be replaced or
repaired. All wiring is to be routed and secured in such a manner
as to prevent contact or chafing on any fuel lines, pneumatic
lines, equipment and/or structure per best shop practice to
maintain no less than 1/4 inch positive separation. The equipment
bays may be accessed by removal of wing access panels No. 631 AT,
631 AB, 531 AT, and 531 AB.
The cause of the right engine fire extinguisher not functioning may
be due to either a lack of electrical continuity through fire
extinguisher "Push To Extinguish" switch or the "Firewall Fuel
Valve" control "T" handle. Investigation is ongoing.
Within the next week, Raytheon Aircraft Company will be issuing
temporary revisions to CHAPTER 5 -TIME LUTS/MAINTENANCE CHECKS and
CHAPTER 26 - FIRE PROTECTION of the appropriate Maintenance Manuals
which will establish a required periodic testing of the left and
right fire extinguisher circuits. Although this requirement will be
added to the appropriate detail inspection, Raytheon Aircraft
Company recommends a check be conducted of the fire extinguisher
circuit at the next scheduled inspection after receipt of these
temporary revisions. This inspection should be conducted as soon as
possible, but no later than the next detail inspection on all
effected aircraft over 1000 flight hours total time in
service.
