# NTSB Accident CEN12FA290
> **CESSNA 401** · 2012-05-11 · Chanute, KS, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** CEN12FA290
- **Event ID:** 20120511X83220
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2012-05-11
- **Location:** Chanute, KS, USA
- **Coordinates:** 37.638332, -96.613052
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 4
- **Serious:** 1
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 5
## Aircraft
- **Make:** CESSNA
- **Model:** 401
- **Registration:** N9DM
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 2
- **Damage:** SUBS
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=CEN12FA290) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*