What happened
While operating a single-engine agricultural airplane at approximately 300 feet above ground level, the pilot detected the smell of "hot wiring" inside the cockpit. Shortly after, smoke became visible within the cabin, and flames were observed underneath the trailing edge of the right wing. The pilot performed a precautionary landing on a county road and was able to exit the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
An FAA inspector examined the aircraft following the incident. A review of inspection photographs showed that the fire had consumed the fuselage and the left wing. The engine cowling exhibited thermal damage, while the mid-section of the right wing and the tip of the elevator also sustained thermal damage. This damage included heavy sooting, paint blistering, and metal deformation, all of which were consistent with an in-flight fire. However, investigators could not determine the origin of the fire. Additionally, the aircraft's maintenance records, which were on board at the time of the event, were destroyed in the fire.