Accident Summary
On July 28, 2025, at approximately 1800 central daylight time, a Cessna 182P, registration N8243M, was destroyed in a fire near Bolivar, Missouri. The aircraft was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that after advancing the throttle to begin taxiing away from the hangar, a loud popping sound was heard. Immediately thereafter, flames appeared both inside and outside the engine cowling. The pilot promptly closed the fuel shut-off valve, turned the master switch to the off position, and exited the aircraft. He then went to a nearby vehicle to retrieve a fire extinguisher, but by the time he returned, the airplane was fully engulfed in fire.
Postaccident Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that an engine fuel primer line had melted and fused to the alternator output wire. The airplane and associated components were retained for further examination.