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Engine Fire Erupts During Cold Weather Start Attempts (N233PA)

Danbury, CT, US

On February 3, 1993, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N233PA) operated by Blue Bird Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Danbury, CT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR AN ENGINE FIRE DURING STARTING WHICH RESULTED IN THE SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S IMPROPER STARTING PROCEDURE AND HIS LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 6 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

A pilot experienced an engine fire after multiple start attempts on a sub-freezing morning. The pilot evacuated passengers and then the aircraft. The master switch, electric fuel pump, mixture control, and fuel selector were left on, contrary to the aircraft flight manual.

Incident Details

During the first flight of the day, with temperatures below freezing, a pilot encountered an engine fire while attempting to start the aircraft. The pilot had accumulated a total of 90 flight hours.

Sequence of Events

The pilot primed the engine several times and attempted to start it. The engine ran for a few seconds and then stopped. After repriming several times, a second start attempt resulted in the engine starting and stopping again. The pilot then noticed a glow on the ground. He evacuated the passengers while trying to crank the engine, but flames spread, and he subsequently evacuated the airplane. The master switch, electric fuel pump, mixture control, and fuel selector valve were left in the on position throughout the event.

Aircraft Manual Guidance

According to the airplane flight manual, priming should only be used after the initial start attempt. Additionally, in the event of a fire during start, the manual specifies shutting off the mixture and fuel selector.

Pilot Experience

The pilot had 90 hours of total flight time.

In-flight fire & smoke

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Feb 1993 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Danbury, CT?

A pilot experienced an engine fire after multiple start attempts on a sub-freezing morning. The pilot evacuated passengers and then the aircraft. The master switch, electric fuel pump, mixture control, and fuel selector were left on, contrary to the aircraft flight manual.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Feb 1993 Piper PA-28-161 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Feb 1993 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N233PA, operated by Blue Bird Aviation, at Danbury, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR AN ENGINE FIRE DURING STARTING WHICH RESULTED IN THE SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S IMPROPER STARTING PROCEDURE AND HIS LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11883. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.