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Casualties unknown

Engine Fire Consumes Aircraft After Multiple Start Attempts (N6234M)

Sanford, ME, US

On January 25, 2004, a Stinson 108-3 (registration N6234M) was involved in an aviation accident near Sanford, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An engine fire for undetermined reasons during start-up. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A pilot's repeated priming and start attempts led to smoke and a fire that destroyed the aircraft. Strong winds accelerated the blaze despite extinguisher use. The fire's origin could not be determined.

Incident Sequence

The pilot primed the engine four times before attempting a start-up. The engine initially started but did not continue running. The pilot then primed the engine two more times and attempted a restart, but the engine failed to restart. Shortly thereafter, the pilot observed smoke emanating from the engine area.

Fire and Response

The pilot exited the airplane and saw a fire in the engine area. An attempt was made to extinguish the fire using a fire extinguisher. However, strong winds accelerated the spread of the fire, and the airplane was ultimately consumed by the flames.

Examination

A post-accident examination of the wreckage could not determine the exact origin of the fire. The reported wind at the airport, around the time of the accident, was from 280 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 21 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jan 2004 Stinson 108-3 accident near Sanford, ME?

A pilot's repeated priming and start attempts led to smoke and a fire that destroyed the aircraft. Strong winds accelerated the blaze despite extinguisher use. The fire's origin could not be determined.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jan 2004 involved a Stinson 108-3, registration N6234M, at Sanford, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An engine fire for undetermined reasons during start-up.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040129X00124. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.