Incident Overview
A certified flight instructor (CFI) was conducting an instructional flight. After takeoff, while climbing out, the engine began to run rough. The CFI decided to return to the departure airport. On final approach, the engine lost all power. The airplane landed uneventfully and stopped on the runway.
Fire and Destruction
After stopping on the runway, the CFI attempted to restart the engine to clear the runway for incoming traffic. During the restart attempt, the engine compartment caught fire. The fire continued to burn until the airplane was destroyed.
Post-Accident Inspection
An inspection of the wreckage revealed that the main fuel line to the finger strainer in the carburetor was disconnected. No mechanical damage was noted to the fuel line or any other lines. The fuel line had been installed by a mechanic eight days prior to the accident as part of a maintenance check.