Event Details
On February 20, 2010, at approximately 1850 central standard time, a Piper PA-46-310P, registration N43368, experienced a total loss of engine power following an in-flight fire near Nashville, Tennessee. The pilot executed a successful forced landing at Nashville International Airport (BNA). The certificated commercial pilot and three passengers were not injured, and the airplane received minor damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Winchester Municipal Airport (BGF), Winchester, Tennessee, and was destined for Iowa City Municipal Airport (IOW), Iowa City, Iowa.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with single-engine, multi-engine, and instrument airplane ratings. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued in March 2009. He reported 2,632 total flight hours, including 162 hours in the accident airplane make and model. In the 90 days prior, he accrued 64 hours in that make and model, and 14 hours in the 30 days prior.
The airplane, manufactured in 1984, was registered to Big Sky, Inc. in January 2008. It was equipped with a 300-horsepower Teledyne-Continental TSIO-520 engine and retractable tricycle landing gear actuated hydraulically.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that while cruising at 12,000 feet, the alternator light illuminated and he detected smoke. He declared an emergency and diverted to the nearest airport. During the descent, he noted a complete loss of engine power. After landing at BNA, he evacuated the airplane. No visible damage or open flames were observed post-landing, but light smoke emanated from the cowling for several minutes.
Examination Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane at the scene and found fire damage in the engine compartment between the firewall and rear engine baffle. The aircraft was recovered for detailed examination. On February 23, 2010, a detailed examination revealed fire-damaged seals, fuel lines, drive belts, pulleys, the top of the engine cowling, and the right nose landing gear door. The fuel control unit feed and return lines were loose at the rear engine baffle fittings. Maintenance invoices showed the starter adapter was replaced on February 19, 2010, approximately 9 hours before the incident. The starter and starter adapter were located below the loose fuel control unit fuel lines.
Weather Conditions
At 1853, the weather reported at BNA included winds from 170 degrees at 4 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; broken clouds at 20,000 feet; temperature 11 degrees Celsius; dew point -5 degrees Celsius; and an altimeter setting of 30.09 inches of mercury.