Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 177 near Chandler, AZ — 2009-08-25

Final reportWPR09LA418
Sign in to save
Date
2009-08-25
Location
Chandler, AZ, USA
Airport
CHD
Aircraft
CESSNA 177
Registration
N30715
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Ground

Probable cause

An on-ground fire in the engine compartment for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

After attempting to start the engine four times without success the pilot called his flight instructor, who advised him to use the "flooded" procedure. Following an unsuccessful start attempt using the flooded procedure, the pilot was going through the checklist when he heard a "pop" sound, then observed dark smoke coming from the engine. The pilot then exited the airplane while first responders extinguished the fire. The pilot stated that a second fire erupted in the engine compartment and "...the airplane's engine started and the propeller started spinning." The airplane was subsequently destroyed by fire damage. 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 condition before starting attempts.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

Related mishaps