Incident Overview
A single-engine airplane was destroyed by fire after the engine backfired during the starting procedure. The pilot, a private pilot, initially attempted to draw the fire into the induction system by continuing the engine start procedures. When this method failed to extinguish the fire, the pilot and a passenger used three fire extinguishers, discharging them into the intake and exhaust areas of the engine cowling. These attempts were unsuccessful.
Firefighting Response
The fire department arrived approximately 15 minutes after the fire began. By that time, the airplane was completely engulfed in flames. The aircraft was consumed by the fire.
Investigation Findings
The cause of the engine backfire that initiated the fire was not determined during the investigation. No other causal factors were identified.