Introduction
On May 14, 2014, at approximately 1400 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181, registration N30541, was involved in a ground fire at South Naknek Airport, South Naknek, Alaska. The aircraft was operated by King Air, Inc., based in Naknek, Alaska, on a visual flight rules (VFR) non-scheduled commuter flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135. A company flight plan had been filed for the intended two-mile flight to Naknek. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the incident.
Event Description
According to the pilot's statement to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge, the pilot was taxiing for departure when he noticed a smell of smoke in the cabin. After verifying the presence of smoke with a passenger, the pilot shut down the engine and evacuated the aircraft, along with the two passengers. No injuries were reported among the three occupants.
Once outside and after escorting the passengers to a safe location, the pilot observed smoke emanating from the engine cowling area. He attempted to extinguish the fire using the aircraft's fire extinguisher, but the attempt was unsuccessful. The fire continued to burn, destroying a majority of the fuselage.
Investigation
The aircraft was equipped with a Lycoming O-360-A4M carbureted, reciprocating engine. An on-scene examination by a Federal Aviation Administration safety inspector from the Anchorage Flight Standards District Office was conducted. Due to the extent of fire damage, the inspector was unable to determine the point of fire origin.
One recovered fuel fitting was sent to the NTSB Materials Laboratory for examination. The laboratory analysis revealed that the fracture surfaces of the fitting were consistent with an overstress fracture that occurred while the fitting was at elevated temperatures. No indications of preexisting cracking were found.
Conclusion
The investigation did not identify a probable cause for the ground fire. The aircraft was substantially damaged, and the incident remains a subject of the NTSB's records.