BOEING A75N1 near Joshua Tree, CA — 2009-05-19

Probable cause

An in-flight fire in the engine compartment for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that at the completion of a 1-hour cross-country flight, and while on the downwind leg for landing, he added power and observed flames coming out of the top and right side of the engine's cowling. The pilot initiated a turn towards the runway and landed uneventfully. Fire trucks responded and put out the fire. The pilot, who was an airframe and powerplant mechanic, reported that he had recently installed the engine, a Pratt & Whitney R-985-14B, following a major overhaul. The airplane had flown 3.5 hours since installation of the engine. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed extensive fire damage to the engine and forward part of the airframe, which precluded determination of the reason for the fire.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Mechanical failure

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have checked engine after recent overhaul before flight.

NTSB coding

• Fire/smoke (non-impact) · Approach-VFR pattern downwind

Evidence available

• 1 docket document

Docket documents1

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form

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