Introduction
On July 29, 2016, at approximately 1300 Eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161 airplane, registration N601FT, experienced a total loss of engine power during the landing roll at Merritt Island Airport (COI) in Merritt Island, Florida. The subsequent attempt to restart the engine resulted in a fire that caused substantial damage to the firewall. The occupants, a flight instructor and a student pilot, did not sustain injuries.
Flight Details
The airplane was registered to American Air Academy Inc. and was operated by the flight instructor under visual flight rules (VFR) as a local instructional flight in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight had originated from COI approximately 1150 EDT.
Events Leading to the Fire
The flight instructor reported that he and his student were practicing takeoffs and landings in preparation for the student pilot's first solo. During the seventh landing, the engine experienced a total loss of power while on the landing roll. The instructor attempted to restart the engine but noticed smoke and the smell of fire coming from the engine cowling. He then switched off electrical equipment, secured a fire extinguisher, and attempted to extinguish the engine fire.
Maintenance History
According to the operator, the carburetor had been overhauled about 400 flight hours prior to the accident. A representative from the company that performed the overhaul stated they had no records of the overhauled carburetor.
Wreckage Disposition
The wreckage was sold by the insurance company to a private buyer, and the insurance company did not provide contact information for the buyer. Consequently, the carburetor was not examined.
Emergency Procedures
In the emergency section of the pilot's operating handbook, the procedure for an engine fire during start is listed as:
1. Starter – Crank Engine 2. Mixture – Idle Cut-Off 3. Throttle – Open 4. Electric Fuel Pump – Off 5. Fuel Selector – Off