nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect
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 Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 8:35 am Post subject: Lancair battery fire |
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A few weeks ago there was some discussion on the
List about a Lancair battery fire. A B&C SB-1 regulator
was found to be water damaged. The pilot's narrative
told us that smoke started after he turned the aux
alternator on to "charge the aux battery".
I've become privy to data points concerning this accident.
The SB-1 was indeed water damaged in a way that might
indeed drive the aux alternator to an OV condition.
There was no evidence of a pre-flight test of the aux
alternator functionality.
The only wiring diagram offered as a reference for
assembly of the airplane was a B&C drawing not unlike
our figure Z-12.
It is unclear how the aux battery was wired into the
system.
The battery fire point of origin was not electrical.
The battery still had liquid in it (Gill 240) and
had no internal evidence of fire or overt damage.
The battery did out-gas. Point of origin for the
fire was probably spontaneous combustion due to presence
of non-standard materials in the battery box.
The full report and more details will come out later
this summer. But it's apparent that the designer, installer
and operator of this electrical system did not have
a clear understanding of the recipes for success that
would have prevented this particular incident from
happening.
In the mean time, B&C regulator products are getting
a sticker suggesting recommended installation orientation
so that drip water won't collect inside.
While the failed regulator probably participated in the
event. Like most accidents, it was a combination of several
errors of materials selection, installation technique, and
operating procedures which stacked up to severely damage
the airplane and put the passengers at much risk.
Bob . . .
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