Incident Overview
The carburetor had been previously removed, reworked, and reinstalled. After the installation, which included a leak check, the pilot entered the left front seat and the passenger, who was also a mechanic, entered the right front seat. The pilot primed the engine and then made a start.
Sequence of Events
After starting, the engine ran for approximately 20 seconds before stopping. The occupants discussed the problem and concluded that the fuel line was likely 'air bound.' They decided to keep the engine running by using the primer. After restarting, the engine continued to run with the primer for 30 to 40 seconds, at which point the pilot observed a fire in the lower right corner of the cockpit.
Evacuation and Explosion
The occupants evacuated the burning airplane. However, the pilot fell, and the passenger returned to help. At about that time, the right wing tank exploded, and both occupants were burned.
Post-Incident Examination
Examination revealed that the main fuel line from the gascolator to the carburetor had broken. The pilot died two days later.