Accident Occurrence
On July 4, 2024, about 0400 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32RT-300T airplane, registration N184VA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Myerstown, Pennsylvania. The commercial pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was being operated as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91.
The pilot reported that he was preparing for takeoff on runway 1 at Deck Airport (9D4) with a destination of Wayne County Airport (EKQ), Monticello, Kentucky. Preflight and ground operations were uneventful. During the takeoff roll, at about 50-60 knots, the pilot observed a flashing exhaust gas temperature indication and elected to abort the takeoff. After pulling into the turnaround area at the north end of the runway, a red "X" appeared over the oil pressure display, and a passenger noticed flames emanating from the right side of the engine cowling. The pilot shut down the engine, exited with the passengers, and attempted to extinguish the flames using a fire bottle and blankets. The local fire department was called to assist.
Examination
An FAA inspector examined the wreckage and reported substantial fire and heat damage to the forward fuselage and engine. A subsequent examination revealed that most of the fire and heat damage was concentrated near cylinders No. 3 and 5. The B-nut on the stainless steel fuel injector line between the No. 5 cylinder and the right fuel injector manifold was found to be loose, less than finger-tight. The turbocharger was located aft of this fitting. No other fuel system fittings were found loose.
Maintenance History
A review of maintenance logbooks showed that an annual inspection of the airframe and engine had been completed on July 2, 2024, two days before the accident. The engine logbook entry indicated that a fuel system pressure check was performed during that inspection. The mechanic who performed the annual inspection reported that the owner had requested cleaning of the fuel injectors due to an intermittent rough idle. The injector lines were removed at the injector, and the injectors themselves were removed and cleaned. Reinstallation followed the manufacturer's instructions, and the injector lines were inspected during cleaning.