What happened
Shortly after takeoff while exiting the traffic pattern, the pilot detected smoke and observed flames near the left rudder pedal. Attempts to extinguish the fire using his shoes were unsuccessful. The pilot decided to return to the airport for an emergency landing.
Due to heavy smoke filling the cockpit, visibility was severely compromised. To maintain situational awareness during the approach and landing, the pilot had to look out of the side window. During the landing roll, the fire forced the pilot to remove his feet from the rudder pedals, eliminating normal directional control via foot input.
The pilot attempted to use the hand brake to slow the aircraft, but the plane veered off the left side of the runway. It subsequently collided with a ditch and a fence, bringing the aircraft to a stop.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that the battery cable had separated. The separation point was located beneath the pilot's seat, where the cable passed through a rubber grommet in a metal box housing electrical components. Signs of intense heat were found on the cable approximately four inches from the starter switch, indicating the origin of the fire.