BELLANCA 7KCAB near Bluff Dale, TX — 2024-04-04

Probable cause

An engine compartment fire for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive thermal damage.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while enroute at 5,500 ft on a night cross-country flight, flames started coming out of the oil access door on the airplane’s cowling. The pilot executed an emergency landing and exited the airplane without further incident or injury. The fire continued to burn, and the airplane was destroyed. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine confirmed evidence of a fire in the engine compartment but its source could not be identified due to extensive thermal damage. The reason for the fire could not be determined.

NTSB coding

• Fire/smoke (non-impact) · Enroute-cruise

Evidence available

• Photos
• 6 docket documents

Docket documents6

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1form
• RELEASE OF AIRCRAFT WRECKAGE, NTSB FORM 6120.15form
• AIRCRAFT EXAMINATIONother
• MAINTENANCE RECORD EXCERPTother
• RECORD OF CONVERSATION - PILOTother
• ACCIDENT SCENE PHOTOSphotos

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