Jan. 31, Myrtle Beach, S.C. / Beech Twin Bonanza

At about 16:27 EST, the left wing of a Beech D50E caught fire while taxiing for takeoff at Myrtle Beach International Airport. The pilot was not injured. The pilot had landed to refuel and was taxiing for takeoff. As he performed a flight control check of the ailerons he saw the paint discoloring on the upper outboard wing skin. He taxied to an open area of the ramp, where he secured the airplane. After exiting the airplane, he noted fire at the outboard fuel tank vent, which was leaking fuel. He discharged a handheld fire extinguisher and nearly extinguished the fire. The airport fire rescue team then arrived and completed the job....

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A Beech D50E's left wing caught fire due to a leaking outboard fuel tank vent while taxiing for takeoff at Myrtle Beach International Airport.
  • The pilot, who was uninjured, noticed paint discoloration during a flight control check and promptly secured the aircraft before exiting.
  • The pilot used a handheld fire extinguisher, nearly extinguishing the blaze, which was then fully put out by the airport fire rescue team.
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At about 16:27 EST, the left wing of a Beech D50E caught fire while taxiing for takeoff at Myrtle Beach International Airport. The pilot was not injured. The pilot had landed to refuel and was taxiing for takeoff. As he performed a flight control check of the ailerons he saw the paint discoloring on the upper outboard wing skin. He taxied to an open area of the ramp, where he secured the airplane. After exiting the airplane, he noted fire at the outboard fuel tank vent, which was leaking fuel. He discharged a handheld fire extinguisher and nearly extinguished the fire. The airport fire rescue team then arrived and completed the job.

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