Incident Overview
A student pilot and a certified flight instructor (CFI) experienced a cockpit fire during the takeoff initial climb at approximately 100 feet above ground level. The student pilot observed smoke and flames emanating from the circuit breaker/throttle area of the instrument panel and alerted the CFI.
Pilot Actions
The CFI immediately assumed control of the aircraft and executed a landing on the remaining runway. The airplane rolled to a stop in an open area beyond the departure end of the runway. Prior to exiting, the CFI secured the aircraft by turning off the master switch, avionics master, magnetos, and fuel selector, and pulling the mixture to idle cutoff.
Post-Evacuation Fire
After both occupants evacuated the airplane, it became engulfed in flames. The student and CFI reported that the landing light circuit breaker had tripped. The CFI had attempted to reset the circuit breaker, but it would not reset.
Investigation Findings
Due to extensive fire damage to the instrument panel and circuit breakers, the specific landing light circuit breaker could not be identified. Consequently, a determination could not be made regarding the ignition area of the fire.