On Tue, 3 Feb 2004 20:27:50 -0800, "C J Campbell"
wrote:


"Paul Folbrecht" wrote in message
link.net...
| My problem is that I want one for my flight bag but don't want to pay
| $105 for the one Sporty's sells. Are there alternatives? Other than
| leaving open the chance of dying a horrible, fiery death?

Beech Super 18, 2:00 am appox 6000 ft AGL VFR above a solid layer.
Engine fuel pressure gage supply line split at some point, crew
smelled "something" then the cockpit ignited.

Co-pilot yanked the bottle (dry chemical) Pilot killed all the
'lectrics. Bottle emptied semi-under the panel and on the co-pilot's
burning shoes.

Used LCD watch back-lighting x2, one alternating between compass and
altimeter, one on the ADI (onboard rechargeable flashlight TU) to
descend through the cloud deck, sniffing gas fumes all the way down.

Saw a "dark patch" that looked inviting, secured both engines and
landed, exited a/c through the LH crew door while the airplane was
still rolling.

Wandered around a little bit, discovered they were on the grounds of
the Lost Nation (LNN) airport, in the grass.

I went over and jury-rigged the a/c for a 30 minute stiff-leg ferry
flight home. About crapped when I saw the cockpit interior. Soot and
Purple K everywhere.

Pilot presented Co-pilot with bronzed burnt shoes at the next
Christmas party.


It would be interesting to know if having a fire extinguisher on board ever
prevented a horrible, fiery death.


You be the judge.

TC