NTSB Factual Report

On March 18, 2004, at 1824 central standard time, a Cessna 414 twin-engine airplane, N414FB, sustained minor damage following an in-flight fire during takeoff/initial climb from the Midland International Airport (MAF), near Midland, Texas. The airplane was registered to Foxtrot Bravo LLC, of Wilmington, Delaware, and operated by the pilot. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight was originating at the time of the accident, and was destined for the Lancaster Airport, near Lancaster, Texas.

The 3,000-hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that during takeoff, the airplane achieved a positive rate of climb and he retracted the landing gear as he reduced the power on the left and right engine to 33 inches of manifold pressure and 2,500 rpm. Subsequently, he noticed a "no" fuel indication on the engine monitoring instruments. At an altitude of approximately 5,000 feet msl, on runway heading, the pilot advised Midland Air Traffic Control of the situation, and requested radar vectors to return to MAF.

Upon turning inbound to MAF, the pilot noticed the left and right hydraulic warning lights were illuminated. After extending the landing gear for landing, the nose landing gear safe indication light did failed to illuminate, prompting the pilot to perform an emergency gear extension procedure to verify landing gear indication.

The pilot added that while continuing to the airport, the throttle, mixture, and propeller controls for the right engine became "very stiff, almost immoveable." An uneventful touchdwon was made on runway 10. During the landing roll, while still on the runway, the pilot noted that "braking on the right side was minimal." After exiting the runway on taxiway "A", the pilot was able to shut down the right engine by using the mixture control lever.

Upon exiting the aircraft, the pilot noticed evidence of fluid loss from the wing root area of the right engine. A detailed examination of the right wing revealed that a small in-flight fire occurred in the right wing, just inboard of the nacelle leading edge area.

Examination of the airplane by an Federal Aviation Administration inspector, who responded to the accident site, revealed evidence of heat damage to electrical wiring, fluid carrying lines, and aluminum tubing. The source or reason for the in-flight fire could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The in-flight wing fire for undetermined reasons.