Incident Overview
On 21 July 2017, at approximately 11:00 UTC, the crew of a Piper PA-32R-301T Turbo Saratoga, registration OH-IJO, reported the appearance of smoke in the cockpit while en route from EPWR to EFHF. The crew did not declare an emergency and decided to continue toward EPGD (Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport). The aircraft landed safely on runway 11 at 13:51 UTC and taxied via taxiway L. During taxi, smoke and flame were observed emanating from the engine. After the aircraft stopped, the crew and a passenger evacuated without assistance. The airport fire service extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported.
Aircraft Damage
Fire damage was confined to the engine compartment, including the engine, cowling, hoses, and accessories. The fire originated from oil that leaked from a burned-through oil line.
Cause of Fire
The direct cause of the fire was the burning through of an oil line that had been in contact with the engine exhaust manifold. The oil line had been improperly installed during a maintenance event in 2014, and a required thermal shield (P/N 38469-002) was missing. The manufacturer confirmed that the oil line was not installed correctly and that the thermal shield should have been fitted.
Flight Crew
The flight crew consisted of two Finnish male pilots. The pilot flying held a PPL(A) with approximately 370 hours total time, including 15 hours on type. The pilot monitoring held a PPL(A) and frozen ATPL with about 7,100 hours total time, including 300 hours on type.
Maintenance History
The aircraft had been purchased by the current owner in 2011 from the UK and received a review by a Finnish Part 145 organization. During a 100-hour/annual inspection in 2014, all flexible hoses, including the oil line that later failed, were replaced. It is likely that the new oil line was improperly installed at that time, and it could not be determined whether the thermal shield was never reinstalled or had been missing earlier.
Sequence of Events
After the initial smoke report, the crew requested information on nearby airports but opted to proceed to EPGD. Air traffic control was informed but no emergency was declared, and fire services were not requested by the crew. The aircraft landed without further incident. During taxi, fire crews observed flame and smoke. Post-fire, the aircraft was towed to a grassy area near position PPS1.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the incident, METAR and TAF for EPGD indicated suitable weather conditions.
Conclusion
The investigation determined that the fire was a result of oil leaking from a burned oil line that contacted the exhaust manifold due to improper installation and lack of a thermal shield.