Incident Overview
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot of an aircraft noticed the smell of smoke coming from the rear of the aircraft near the battery storage area. Moments later, a fire broke out in the lower left area of the cockpit. Black smoke from the oil lines began to fill the cockpit, and the fire intensified, resulting in serious burn injuries to the pilot.
Emergency Return
Despite the injuries and the spreading fire, the pilot managed to return to the departure airport. However, the burning fire prevented him from maintaining directional control of the aircraft during the landing.
Fire Cause
Investigation revealed that the battery cable had shorted and subsequently burned through the oil and fuel pump lines, igniting the fire.