Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 28-161 near Pittsburg, PA — 2015-09-19

Final reportERA15LA369
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Date
2015-09-19
Location
Pittsburg, PA, USA
Airport
9G1
Aircraft
PIPER PA 28-161
Registration
N9887K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Ground

Probable cause

An engine fire, which resulted from the overpriming of a hot engine.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he landed the airplane and parked it to address an in-flight anomaly with his headset. He then performed a preflight inspection. Before starting the engine, he pumped the primer twice and then attempted to start the engine. Subsequently, he observed smoke emanating from the engine area. He continued attempting to start the engine while moving the mixture lever to the fuel "cutoff" position. He then observed flames emanating from under the engine cowling, discontinued attempting to start the engine, and exited the airplane. Postaccident examination revealed extensive fire damage to the engine and airframe that appeared to have originated in or around the carburetor. The Pilot's Operating Handbook provided no guidance on using the primer when starting a hot engine but stated that "engine fires during start are usually the result of overpriming." It is likely that the hot engine was overprimed, which resulted in excess fuel in the carburetor and the subsequent engine fire.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have followed emergency procedures for engine fire during start.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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