Probable cause
The arcing of the resistor and silicone controlled rectifier in the flap control circuit.
NTSB analysis
The pilot said that during descent he "smelled electrical smoke and saw flames behind the power quadrant." He declared an emergency and removed the fire extinguisher from its holder. In the time it took to do this, the flames were no longer visible and the burning smell was not getting any stronger. The pilot landed at his destination without further incident. An examination revealed that a 10 ohm, 1/2 watt, resistor contacted the ground lug of a silicon controlled rectifier in the flap control circuit. The manufacturer indicated that manufacturing practices require component leads to be covered with a sleeve. The 100 hour inspection listed in the airplane's maintenance manual indicated that the instrument plumbing and wiring should be inspected for "condition, attachment, chafing, etc."
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08IA085 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 19, 2008
- Type
- Incident
- Place
- Moline, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Quad-City (MLI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Hawker Beechcraft Corp. 99
- N-number
- N118SF
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Minor
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.