PIPER PA 28 near Merritt Island, FL — 2016-06-29

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during the landing roll, and an engine fire during a subsequent engine restart attempt. Neither the cause for the loss of engine power nor the source of the fire could be determined because the airplane was not made available for examination.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor reported that he and his student were practicing takeoffs and landings in preparation for the student's first solo flight. During the seventh landing, the engine experienced a total loss of power during the landing roll. The instructor attempted to restart the engine, but during the process, he smelled and observed smoke coming from the engine cowling. He switched off the electrical equipment, obtained the fire extinguisher, and attempted to extinguish the fire. Maintenance personnel arrived shortly thereafter and fully extinguished the fire. The engine and carburetor were not made available for examination; therefore, neither the reason for the loss of power nor the source of the fire could be determined. Although the instructor's actions following the observed smoke were inconsistent with those prescribed by the pilot's operating handbook for an engine fire during start, whether his actions contributed to the fire could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Engine power loss

First missed decision gate

Proper engine checks before landing could have prevented the power loss.

NTSB coding

• Loss of engine power (total) · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Piper Cadet PA-28-161 POH Excerptother
• Accident Photo (Courtesy of FAA)photos