UPDATE: Airplane on Fire!

In November, a Yute Commuter Service Cessna 207 airplane caught on fire shortly after take off near Bethel Alaska. It was originally thought that the fire was related to the cargo of the plane. (Read the original blog here). Now that NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) has had a chance to file a preliminary report they know the true cause. 

The preliminary report indicated that the fire was caused by faulty wiring that was installed incorrectly and was resting on the fuel line of the plane. These wires were installed after the manufacturing of the aircraft. This installation was not performed by Cessna or Yute Commuter Service. They were installed in connection with a project sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration that was done in the late 90's and early 2000's. 

This project included around 200 other airplanes that operate in southwestern Alaska. The Yute Commuter Service has nine Cessna 207 airplanes in operation and have since addressed and fixed the wiring in all of their craft. 

Photo: Courtesy of NTSB

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