Pilot Debrief

PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA-28-161 near Melbourne, FL — 2014-04-04

Final reportERA14LA268
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Date
2014-04-04
Location
Melbourne, FL, USA
Airport
MLB
Aircraft
PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA-28-161
Registration
N642FT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Taxi

Probable cause

The flight instructor’s overpriming of the engine during multiple unsuccessful engine start attempts on an active runway, which resulted in an engine compartment fire.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor reported that, while taxiing off the runway after landing and when the airplane was just before the hold short lines, the engine quit. The flight instructor contacted the tower air traffic controller and asked for permission to push the airplane completely off the runway, but the tower controller declined and instructed him to advise whether he could get the engine started. The flight instructor attempted to start the engine using procedures for a hot and cold engine and then noticed smoke coming from the engine cowling. The flight instructor secured the airplane, and, after evacuating it, noticed flames coming from the engine cowling, which he was unable to extinguish using the on-board fire extinguisher. Airport rescue and firefighting personnel responded and extinguished the fire. Postaccident examination of the carburetor revealed that the loosening torque values of the screws that secure the throttle body to the carburetor bowl were lower than the tightening torque value specified for overhaul. However, repair station personnel reported that it was not uncommon for in-service units to exhibit no loosening torque value. The engine fire was likely caused by the flight instructor's overpriming of the engine during multiple unsuccessful engine start attempts, which likely resulted from his feeling rushed to get the engine started while the airplane was still on an active runway. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
CFI could have chosen to stop on the runway instead of taxiing off.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents13

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