Incident Overview
On March 27, 2016, at about 1100 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180, registration N16366, experienced a fire during engine startup while parked on the ramp at Allegheny County Airport (AGC) in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the intended local personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that he had requested a fuel top-off earlier that morning for a local flight. After completing a preflight inspection, he attempted to start the engine unsuccessfully four times. On the fifth attempt, he followed the "starting engine when flooded" checklist. As the propeller turned with the starter, white smoke began pouring from the engine cowl. The pilot turned off the master switch and exited the airplane. Upon opening the top engine cowling, flames suddenly emanated from the left side of the engine, and the smoke turned from white to dark black. He returned to the cockpit to retrieve a handheld fire extinguisher, but the cockpit was filling with heavy black smoke, forcing him to exit without suppressing the fire. The pilot reported no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions.
Aircraft Information
According to FAA and maintenance records, the airplane was manufactured in 1973. Its most recent annual inspection was completed on September 8, 2015. At the time of the accident, the total flight time was 6,336 hours.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination by an FAA inspector revealed substantial fire and heat damage to the engine and compartment. Inside the cockpit, the fuel primer knob was found in the out/unlocked position. Review of the pilot's operating manual for the make and model stated: "Engine fires during start are usually the result of overpriming." The manual also provided a procedure for engine fire during start: mixture to idle cut-off, throttle open, and turn engine with starter to draw the fire into the induction system.
Extent of Damage
The airplane was substantially damaged due to the fire.