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In-Flight Fire Prompts Wheels-Up Landing (N38765)

Taos, NM, US

On September 30, 2007, a Piper PA-28R-201T (registration N38765) was involved in an aviation accident near Taos, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The fuel return line b-nut had become unscrewed. 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 noticed a fuel smell and white smoke, then flames from the cowling. Engine power was lost, leading to a wheels-up landing in rough terrain. The aircraft burned except for the engine, wing tips, and empennage. Examination found an unscrewed b-nut on the fuel return line.

Incident Details

Shortly after takeoff, while climbing southbound, the pilot detected a faint fuel odor. White smoke then began emanating from the right side of the instrument panel. The pilot initiated a turn back toward the departure airport. Soon, flames appeared from the right side of the aircraft's cowling, followed by a loss of engine power. The pilot executed a wheels-up landing in rough terrain. After evacuating, the pilot observed that the fire persisted and continued to burn until it had consumed the entire airframe, leaving only the engine, wing tips, and empennage intact.

Post-Incident Examination

A detailed inspection of the aircraft was conducted. The only anomaly found was a b-nut on the fuel return line that had become unscrewed. No other issues or discrepancies were identified.

Probable cause

The fuel return line b-nut had become unscrewed.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Sept 2007 Piper PA-28R-201T accident near Taos, NM?

A pilot noticed a fuel smell and white smoke, then flames from the cowling. Engine power was lost, leading to a wheels-up landing in rough terrain. The aircraft burned except for the engine, wing tips, and empennage. Examination found an unscrewed b-nut on the fuel return line.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Sept 2007 Piper PA-28R-201T accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Sept 2007 involved a Piper PA-28R-201T, registration N38765, at Taos, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The fuel return line b-nut had become unscrewed.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071001X01479. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.