Beechcraft V35-B | N6659L

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be an in flight engine fire, the reason for which cannot be determined at this time.

Probable Cause issued 3/30/2026 – 26 months after the accident: An in-flight engine compartment fire due to a partially loose flexible fuel hose b-nut at the fuel metering unit. Contributing to the severity of the accident was the pilot’s inability to visually identify the destination airport at night, which prolonged the in-flight emergency.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft be especially conscious of fuel and oil pumps and hose conditions. Be especially observant of any staining or evidence of leaks in the engine compartment which could indicate a possible future failure or fire. The DTSB also recommends to avoid night flight in single engine aircraft where possible.