Incident Overview
Date: Tuesday 27 July 1943
Aircraft Type: Sikorsky S-42B
Owner/operator: Pan American Airways (Pan Am)
Registration Number: NC16736
Location: Manaus, AM –
ÿ Brazil
Phase of Flight: Standing
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants:
Component Affected: CarburetorCarburetor
Category: Accident
A fire ignited in the carburetor of the No. 1 engine during a flight from Manaus, Brazil, resulting in the loss of the aircraft. The pilot directed the mechanic to pull the fire extinguisher handle, leading to the fuel dump handle being pulled, causing the carburetor to ignite with fuel and gas, resulting in a fire.A fire ignited in the carburetor of the No. 1 engine during a flight from Manaus, Brazil, resulting in the loss of the aircraft. The pilot directed the mechanic to pull the fire extinguisher handle, leading to the fuel dump handle being pulled, causing the carburetor to ignite with fuel and gas, resulting in a fire.
Description
The “Bermuda Clipper” was fully loaded, with passengers and crew, ready for departure from Manaus, Brazil. A fire developed in the carburetor of the No. 1 engine and the pilot directed the flight mechanic to pull the fire extinguisher handle. The mechanic then pulled the fuel dump handle by mistake. Flaming gas fell from the carburetor onto the gas on the water, igniting it, and causing the loss of the plane. All occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft.
Primary Cause
Carburetor malfunction leading to ignition of fuel and gas.Carburetor malfunction leading to ignition of fuel and gas.Share on:
