Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 28-181 near South Naknek, AK — 2014-05-14

Final reportANC14IA028
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Date
2014-05-14
Location
South Naknek, AK, USA
Airport
WSN
Aircraft
PIPER PA 28-181
Registration
N30541
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Taxi

Probable cause

A fire in the airplane’s engine compartment that initiated for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive fire damage.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was taxiing the airplane for departure when he and his passengers smelled smoke in the cabin. He shut the engine down, and he and the passengers then evacuated the airplane. After escorting the passengers to a safe location, he saw smoke coming from the engine cowling area and attempted to put out any fire with a fire extinguisher; however, his attempt to put out the fire was unsuccessful, and the fire continued to burn a majority of the fuselage. Due to extensive fire damage, the initiation source of the fire could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked for mechanical issues before taxiing.

NTSB coding

  • Fire/smoke (non-impact) · Taxi-to runway

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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