N6974LCessna 310K · 1966

On March 7, 2012, about 0843 central standard time, a Cessna 310K, N6974L, was substantially damaged following an engine fire on the ramp at Olive Branch Airport (OLV), Olive Branch, Mississippi. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was registered to a corporation and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, following an uneventful pre-flight inspection, both engines started normally and all indications were "in the green." He began to smell an odor of "burned paint" and looked outside the cockpit. He observed smoke in the area of the left engine nacelle. He shut down the engines and observed smoke coming from the area of the rudder pedals. He was exiting the cockpit when he heard a loud "pop." The left engine became engulfed in flames. Local personnel responded with fire extinguishers and put out the fire.

An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The left engine was extensively damaged by the fire. A row of rivets was popped at wing structure near the fire damage. The wreckage was secured so that a subsequent examination could be performed.

A follow-up examination by the FAA inspector revealed that the most intense part of the heat damage was located near and around the fuel strainer on the left engine firewall. The battery and starter solenoids were also located in this area. The inspector elected not to pressurize the fuel lines due to the heat and fire damage.

The FAA inspector reported that no maintenance was performed on the airplane since a 100-hour inspection in November, 2011. The last annual inspection was performed in July, 2011.