Incident Description
The aircraft involved in the incident experienced an auxiliary power unit (APU) fire shortly after landing. The fire occurred when the APU was started following the landing at Detroit.
Preceding Events
Prior to the incident flight, the aircraft had been deiced at its point of departure using a mixture of glycol and water. Company policy required the flight crew to shut off the APU during deicing procedures.
Technical Details
The APU exhaust outlet is located on top of the right wing near the fuselage. This design allows deicing fluid to enter the exhaust opening and subsequently reach the APU combustion chamber if the fluid is directed into the opening.
Glycol, a component of the deicing fluid, is highly flammable once the water content has been vaporized or evaporated. During the APU start after landing, the residual glycol in the APU ignited, causing an exhaust stack fire.
Outcome
The fire was contained to the exhaust stack. No further details about damage or injuries were provided in the source.