Accident Summary
On May 20, 2011, at 1513 central daylight time, a Piper PA-22-160, registration N8957D, was substantially damaged during an in-flight fire. The pilot, who owned and operated the aircraft, executed a forced landing into a muddy field. The airplane was subsequently consumed by fire. The private pilot was seriously injured, while the passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the local flight, which was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan was filed.
Pilot Narrative
According to the pilot, approximately 20 minutes after departure, while maneuvering at an altitude of 600 feet above ground level, he noticed a warming sensation in his feet. Initially attributing it to cabin heat, he soon realized the heat was intensifying, and the cockpit began filling with grayish-blue smoke. He then observed black smoke and flames near his left foot, which he attempted to extinguish by stamping. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a muddy field, where he and his passenger were able to exit the aircraft before it was rapidly engulfed in flames.
Examination and Investigation
The day after the accident, an inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examined the wreckage. The inspection revealed that the entire fuselage, tail section, right wing, and the inboard portion of the left wing were consumed by fire. The engine compartment also exhibited extensive fire damage.
Photographs of the engine and airframe were reviewed by a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Fire and Explosion Specialist. Due to the extensive fire damage and limited investigative materials, the specialist was unable to determine the origin or cause of the fire.