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Aircraft Destroyed by Fire During Engine Start Attempt (N6297D)

Plano, TX, US

On December 5, 1990, a Cessna 172N (registration N6297D) operated by Stranmel Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Plano, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE APPROVED START PROCEDURES WHICH RESULTED IN AN INDUCTION FIRE AND THE DESTRUCTION OF THE AIRPLANE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a hand-propping start attempt, an aircraft's engine backfired, producing smoke and flames from the cowling. The pilot evacuated and called firefighters, but the aircraft was destroyed.

Event Overview

A pilot was attempting to start an aircraft's engine by hand propping. After approximately 15 hand propping cycles and three priming actions, the pilot initiated the first start attempt. The engine briefly operated, firing three times before ceasing.

Sequence of Events

Following the unsuccessful start, the pilot primed the engine two additional times and attempted a second start. This time, the engine fired once, and the pilot immediately observed smoke and flames emanating from the cowling. The pilot abandoned the aircraft and contacted the fire department. Despite their efforts, the aircraft was destroyed by the fire.

Fire Origin

Investigation revealed that the fire originated in the area of the air intake.

In-flight fire & smoke

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Dec 1990 Cessna 172N accident near Plano, TX?

During a hand-propping start attempt, an aircraft's engine backfired, producing smoke and flames from the cowling. The pilot evacuated and called firefighters, but the aircraft was destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Dec 1990 Cessna 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Dec 1990 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N6297D, operated by Stranmel Aviation, at Plano, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE APPROVED START PROCEDURES WHICH RESULTED IN AN INDUCTION FIRE AND THE DESTRUCTION OF THE AIRPLANE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24758. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.