Incident Overview
A commercial pilot reported experiencing an in-flight fire while operating a single-engine agricultural airplane approximately 300 feet above ground level. The pilot initially detected a smell of "hot wiring," followed by smoke in the cockpit and the sight of flames beneath the trailing edge of the right wing. Executing a precautionary landing on a county road, the pilot exited the airplane normally.
Examination and Damage Assessment
An FAA inspector examined the aircraft after the incident. Review of photographs taken during the inspection revealed that the left wing and fuselage were consumed by fire. The engine cowling exhibited thermal damage, while the mid-section of the right wing and the tip of the elevator sustained heavy sooting, paint blistering, and metal deformation. These characteristics were consistent with an in-flight fire.
Determination
Despite the evidence of an in-flight fire, the origin of the fire could not be determined based on the available information. The pilot informed the FAA inspector that the airplane's maintenance records were aboard the aircraft at the time of the mishap and were destroyed in the fire.