May 11, 2012
Accident
Substantial Chanute, KS
Injuries4 fatal, 1 serious
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsVMC
OperationFAR 091
Probable Cause
The malfunction of the cabin heater, which resulted in an inflight fire and smoke in the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of understanding concerning the status of the airplane's heater system following and earlier overheat event and risk of its continued use. Also contributing were the inadequate inspection criteria for the cabin heater.
NTSB CEN12FA290