Engine Fire During Taxi Following Ground Power Disconnection

Casualties unknown • San Juan, PR, US

An aircraft engine fire occurred during taxi following the disconnection of ground power, resulting in an emergency evacuation and minor passenger injuries.

What happened

Following a normal start of the No. 2 engine, the pilot provided hand signals to the ground marshaller to disconnect ground power and remove the wheel chocks. After the ground marshaller disconnected the power cord and secured it to the ground power cart, she attempted to pull the nose wheel chocks; during this process, the nose tire ran over her foot.

As the airplane taxied forward, the No. 2 propeller collided with the ground power cart. This impact ignited a fire in the No. 2 engine, which subsequently spread to the ground and underneath the aircraft. Without receiving any communication from the cockpit, the flight attendant initiated an emergency evacuation of the passengers. During the evacuation, 3 passengers sustained minor injuries due to tripping and falling on the tarmac. The airport fire department arrived and extinguished the flames within 3 minutes of the fire's start.

Probable cause

The collision between the No. 2 propeller and the ground power cart, which ignited the engine fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-10-25 Aerospatiale ATR-42-300 accident near San Juan, PR?

An aircraft engine fire occurred during taxi following the disconnection of ground power, resulting in an emergency evacuation and minor passenger injuries.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-10-25 involved a Aerospatiale ATR-42-300, registration N143DD, operated by Executive Airlines, Inc., at San Juan, PR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision between the No. 2 propeller and the ground power cart, which ignited the engine fire.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11299. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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