Incident Overview
A multi-engine flight check conducted for a commercial pilot applicant turned critical when a fire broke out during an engine start attempt. The designated examiner reported that the right engine, still hot from a previous flight, failed to start on the first attempt. After the left engine was started successfully, the applicant tried again to start the right engine. Smoke was observed emanating from beneath the right nacelle.
Emergency Response
Cockpit emergency procedures were initiated, and ground personnel attempted to extinguish the fire. However, these efforts were unsuccessful. The examiner then opened the cabin door and began evacuation. Both crewmembers exited the aircraft safely, but the left engine was not secured before they abandoned the aircraft.
Uncontrolled Movement
With the left engine still running and no one at the controls, the burning aircraft began to taxi without direction. It traveled out of control and collided with a parked agricultural aircraft. The extent of damage to both aircraft and any injuries was not specified in the source.
Official Determination
The source did not assign a probable cause for the incident. The sequence of events originated from a hot right engine that would not start and subsequently ignited, leading to a fire that could not be contained. The uncontrolled taxi and collision were a direct consequence of the evacuation without securing the left engine.