Pilot Debrief

TAYLORCRAFT BC12-D1 near Eastport, MI — 2013-08-14

Final reportCEN13LA490
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Date
2013-08-14
Location
Eastport, MI, USA
Airport
59M
Aircraft
TAYLORCRAFT BC12-D1
Registration
N44351
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A fuel leak in the engine compartment and subsequent fire, the source of which could not be determined because of extensive postaccident fire damage.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he noticed the smell of gasoline while in cruise flight about 5 to 8 miles from his intended destination. He stated that when the airplane was on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the smell of the gasoline became much stronger. During the landing flare, the engine stopped producing power, and the pilot smelled a very strong odor that he described as a burnt metal smell. After landing, the pilot departed the airplane quickly. About 45 seconds later, flames started coming out of the left side of the engine cowl. The fire spread, and within about 15 minutes, it had consumed most of the airplane. The examination of the wreckage revealed that the most extensive fire damage was located on the left rear side of the engine; however, the source of the fuel leak and fire could not be determined because of the fire damage.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked for fuel leaks before entering traffic pattern.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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