Uncontrolled Taxi of Burning Twin-Engine Aircraft During Flight Check

Casualties unknown • Justin, TX, US

Smoke from a right engine fire during a commercial pilot flight check led to an evacuation. The burning aircraft taxied out of control into a parked agricultural plane.

What happened

The event occurred during a multi-engine flight check conducted by a designated examiner for a commercial pilot applicant. The examination was taking place in a twin-engine aircraft, and the right engine was still hot from the previous flight segment when the start sequence began. According to the examiner's account, the right engine failed to ignite on the initial attempt.

After the left engine was successfully started, the applicant attempted to restart the right engine again. At this moment, smoke was observed emanating from beneath the right nacelle. The crew initiated cockpit emergency procedures for an engine fire, while ground personnel also attempted to extinguish the blaze. These efforts were unsuccessful in putting out the fire.

The examiner opened the cabin door and ordered an evacuation. Both the pilot applicant and the examiner safely abandoned the aircraft. Notably, they left without securing the left engine, which was still running. The burning aircraft then taxied out of control, colliding with a parked agricultural aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1985-03-19 Piper PA-23-150 accident near Justin, TX?

Smoke from a right engine fire during a commercial pilot flight check led to an evacuation. The burning aircraft taxied out of control into a parked agricultural plane.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1985-03-19 involved a Piper PA-23-150, registration N2154P, operated by L. E. Clark, at Justin, TX.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X35926. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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