Engine fire occurs during taxi at terminal

Casualties unknown • Michigan City, IN, US

An engine fire broke out in the right engine cowling of an aircraft while back taxiing to the terminal, resulting in significant heat damage to the engine components.

What happened

While back taxiing to the terminal, a fire was observed emanating from the right engine. Following the aircraft's arrival at the ramp and subsequent engine shutdown, the pilot noticed signs of an engine fire within the right engine cowling.

Witnesses reported seeing two occupants exit the aircraft once it had come to a stop. Before the arrival of fire services, individuals on the ground utilized portable fire extinguishers to combat the flames. A fire truck was summoned to the scene, and the fire was successfully extinguished.

The investigation

An inspection of the aircraft following the event revealed significant damage caused by intense heat. The fire affected the right landing gear doors, as well as both the top and bottom engine cowlings, with burn damage extending approximately 10 inches behind the firewall.

The investigation determined that the fire occurred in the area between the engine and the engine firewall, appearing to have originated above the turbocharger unit. This heat caused extensive damage to the firewall and various engine accessories, specifically destroying the hydraulic and fuel hoses located above the turbocharger.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-05-23 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Michigan City, IN?

An engine fire broke out in the right engine cowling of an aircraft while back taxiing to the terminal, resulting in significant heat damage to the engine components.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-05-23 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N6092Y, at Michigan City, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

reason for the occurrence was undetermined.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03439. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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