Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA28 near West Mifflin, PA — 2016-03-27

Final reportERA16LA154
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Date
2016-03-27
Location
West Mifflin, PA, USA
Airport
AGC
Aircraft
PIPER PA28
Registration
N16366
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Ground

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to follow checklist procedures for an engine fire during start.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot stated that he attempted to start the airplane's engine but that it would not start. On the fifth attempt, he followed the "starting engine when flooded" checklist. As the propeller was turning with the starter motor engaged, white smoke began to emanate from the engine cowling. He then turned off the master switch, exited the airplane, and opened the engine cowling. Flames suddenly emanated from the left side of the engine. The engine and compartment subsequently sustained substantial fire and heat damage. The pilot added that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions with the airplane; examination of the wreckage revealed that the primer control was not in and locked. Review of a pilot's operating manual for the airplane revealed that, if an engine fire occurs during start, the pilot should move the mixture control to idle, move the throttle control to full open, and continue to turn the engine with the starter motor in an attempt to pull the fire into the engine. If the pilot had followed this procedure, it is likely that the fire would have been extinguished and prevented further damage to the airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Properly managing fuel priming before engine start could have prevented the fire.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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