Engine Fire During Taxi After Landing

Casualties unknown • Greenbush, MN, US

A twin-engine aircraft experienced a right engine fire while taxiing after landing. The crew secured systems and evacuated before firefighters extinguished the blaze.

What happened

Following an uneventful approach and landing, the pilot was taxiing back up the runway when the right engine quit. The right seat passenger immediately noted flames coming from the engine and notified the pilot, who swung the aircraft into position for wind to keep flames from the wing while securing both engine fuel shut-off valves, heater fuel shut-off and the aircraft electrical system. Pilot ordered evacuation and attempted to extinguish fire with hand-held extinguisher. Fire continued to burn for about 15 minutes until local fire dept put out flames.

The investigation

Damage precluded determination of fire source, believed to be a broken line or separated fitting in the engine fuel system which allows a quantity of fuel to collect in the nacelle before engine quit from fuel starvation, fire ignited, and pilot closed shut-off valve.

Probable cause

A broken line or separated fitting in the engine fuel system which allowed a quantity of fuel to collect in the nacelle before engine quit from fuel starvation, fire ignited, and pilot closed shut-off valve.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1984-10-03 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Greenbush, MN?

A twin-engine aircraft experienced a right engine fire while taxiing after landing. The crew secured systems and evacuated before firefighters extinguished the blaze.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1984-10-03 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N37JL, at Greenbush, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A broken line or separated fitting in the engine fuel system which allowed a quantity of fuel to collect in the nacelle before engine quit from fuel starvation, fire ignited, and pilot closed shut-off valve.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41302. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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