Pilot Debrief

MCCLISH FUNK B85C near Coffeyville, KS — 2009-09-18

Final reportCEN09LA594
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Date
2009-09-18
Location
Coffeyville, KS, USA
Airport
CFV
Aircraft
MCCLISH FUNK B85C
Registration
N81167
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

An in-flight fire for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

Following a run-up, the pilot and passenger departed in the single-engine airplane. Shortly after reaching 800 feet in altitude, the pilot observed orange flames in the area of the glare shield. The pilot elected to pull the engine throttle to idle, switched off the ignition switch, and performed a dead-stick landing. The pilot and passenger were able to exit the airplane unassisted before the airplane was engulfed in flames. The pilot reported that the logbooks were in the airplane at the time of the fire, and was unsure when the last annual inspection was performed. An examination after the accident revealed that the airplane's fabric covering was fully consumed in the ensuing fire. Due to the extent of the damage, the fire's ignition source was not located.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured aircraft was properly maintained before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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