Accident Summary
On August 14, 2020, at approximately 1718 eastern daylight time, a Lake LA4 amphibious airplane, registration N2994P, sustained substantial damage during a fire event after landing at North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport (F45) in West Palm Beach, Florida. The pilot received serious injuries, while the pilot-rated passenger was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, the airplane departed F45 for a local flight lasting about 1 hour and 20 minutes before returning to the airport. During the landing roll, the pilot opened the airplane’s gull wing door and immediately heard “a swish of air enter the cabin,” followed by a flash of fire that came from the rear cabin forward. Both occupants exited the airplane as it continued down the runway and into the grass. After the airplane came to a stop, the pilot returned to the cockpit and turned off the master switch and fuel selector valve.
Examination Findings
An examination of the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the airplane came to rest upright in the grass adjacent to runway 14. The majority of the fuselage and engine were consumed by fire. All major components of the airplane were accounted for at the accident site.
The airplane and engine were recovered and examined by an FAA inspector and a mechanic. After reviewing on-scene photographs and the airframe, the mechanic reported that the fire originated in the engine pylon, where the electric fuel boost pump and header fuel tank are located. The mechanic noted that the fire could have originated from the electric fuel boost pump, the header fuel tank, or the fuel supply flex hose.
Maintenance History
Review of the maintenance logbooks revealed that, 5.3 flight hours before the accident, an overhauled engine was installed on the airplane, and the fuel flex hose and oil cooler were replaced.