Incident Description
After taxi out, the flight crew initiated the first start of the No. 3 engine, but aborted it upon learning of a 15-minute delay before takeoff. During the second attempted start, excess fuel ignited in the combustors and exhaust stack, producing a fire. The responsible crew members did not order an evacuation, but panicked passengers compelled a flight attendant to open the left rear exit, which deployed the emergency slide.
Evacuation and Injuries
Fifteen passengers evacuated via the slide before order could be restored. One passenger sustained minor injuries when another passenger rolled over her at the bottom of the slide.
Fire Response
Airport firefighting crews extinguished the fire within two minutes.
Investigation
Inspection of the aircraft revealed no damage, and examination of the engine found no deficiencies. Investigators suspect that excessive start fuel was introduced into the combustors during either the first aborted start or the second start.