On February 1, 1992, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N7909W) operated by Barbree, B.j. & Michelle was involved in an aviation accident near Destin, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PROCEDURES/DIRECTIVES BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RESTART THE ENGINE, RESULTING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot started the engine with the auxiliary fuel boost pump on. While taxiing, the engine quit. The pilot attempted a restart, observed flames from the engine cowling, and exited the aircraft with a passenger, but left switches on, feeding the fire.
Incident Overview
The pilot started the engine and left the auxiliary fuel boost pump activated. While taxiing for takeoff, the engine ceased operating. The pilot attempted to restart the engine and observed flames emanating from the front of the engine cowling. The pilot and a passenger exited the aircraft. However, the pilot left the master switch and auxiliary fuel boost pump switch in the on position, which continued to deliver fuel to the fire. The fire was extinguished after the master switch was turned off and a chemical fire suppressant was applied.
Examination Findings
According to an individual who examined the aircraft, in their opinion, the pilot flooded the engine while attempting to restart it. Due to the excess fuel, the engine backfired, and the excess fuel caught fire. No further details were provided.
What happened in the 1 Feb 1992 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Destin, FL?
A pilot started the engine with the auxiliary fuel boost pump on. While taxiing, the engine quit. The pilot attempted a restart, observed flames from the engine cowling, and exited the aircraft with a passenger, but left switches on, feeding the fire.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 Feb 1992 Piper PA-28-180 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Feb 1992 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N7909W, operated by Barbree, B.j. & Michelle, at Destin, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
IMPROPER PROCEDURES/DIRECTIVES BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RESTART THE ENGINE, RESULTING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…