Pilot Debrief

Lake LA4 near West Palm Beach, FL — 2020-08-14

Final reportERA20LA285
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Date
2020-08-14
Location
West Palm Beach, FL, USA
Airport
F45
Aircraft
Lake LA4
Registration
N2994P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

An on-ground engine fire, the source of which could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The rear-facing engine was mounted on top of the cabin on the amphibious airplane. During the landing roll, the pilot opened the airplane’s gull wing door and a fire erupted from the rear of the cabin, travelling forward. The pilot and passenger egressed the airplane as it rolled off the runway into a grass area, came to rest upright, and was consumed by fire. Review of maintenance logbooks revealed that an overhauled engine was installed about 5 hours before the accident, which included a new fuel supply flex hose and oil cooler; however, due to the extensive thermal damage, examination could not determine the source of the fire.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured door was secure before landing to prevent fire risk.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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