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Engine Stall After Landing and Subsequent Fire (N554HA)

Venice, FL, US

On June 14, 2001, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N554HA) was involved in an aviation accident near Venice, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: an on ground fire that started in the engine due to an excessive fuel flow causing the engine to flood. A factor in this accident was the pilot-in-command did not follow all the emergency procedures for an engine fire during start. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After landing, the airplane's engine stalled. Restart attempts led to smoke and fire, mostly on the left side of the engine compartment. The aircraft had a two-year history of intermittent post-landing stalling, with multiple carburetor replacements and system checks.

Incident Details

During taxi after landing, the engine stalled. The pilot's first restart attempt was unsuccessful. He then attempted to clear the engine by cranking with full throttle and the mixture in idle cutoff. On the second start attempt, the engine again failed to start, and upon seeing smoke, he ceased cranking and exited the airplane. Most of the fire damage was concentrated on the left side of the engine compartment.

Maintenance History

The airplane had a documented two-year history of intermittent stalling problems after landing. The carburetor had been replaced on four occasions, including the day of the fire. Additionally, the fuel and ignition systems had been repeatedly checked during troubleshooting, with various repairs performed, including spark plug replacement, internal magneto timing, and fuel filter cleaning.

In-flight fire & smoke

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jun 2001 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Venice, FL?

After landing, the airplane's engine stalled. Restart attempts led to smoke and fire, mostly on the left side of the engine compartment. The aircraft had a two-year history of intermittent post-landing stalling, with multiple carburetor replacements and system checks.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Jun 2001 Piper PA-28-161 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jun 2001 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N554HA, at Venice, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

an on ground fire that started in the engine due to an excessive fuel flow causing the engine to flood. A factor in this accident was the pilot-in-command did not follow all the emergency procedures for an engine fire during start.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011101X02179. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.