Incident Overview
On 26 May 2023 at approximately 9:40 am EDT (1340 UTC), a Cirrus SR22 aircraft, United States registration N522AR, experienced a fire/smoke non-impact occurrence after landing at Norman’s Cay Airport (MYEN), Norman’s Cay, Exuma, Bahamas. The flight was conducted under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
Flight Details
The private flight departed from Pompano Beach Airpark (KPMP), Pompano Beach, FL, USA, with three persons on board, en route to Exuma International Airport (MYEF), Exuma, Bahamas. During cruise, the pilot in command observed the engine “running rough” and decided to divert to the nearest aerodrome, Norman’s Cay Airport.
Landing and Fire
The pilot landed successfully. Upon landing, smoke was observed coming from the engine. After quickly exiting the aircraft, fire was seen emanating from the engine. A fire extinguisher on wheels was used to suppress and extinguish the flames.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a 2005 Cirrus SR22, serial number 1534, with a Continental IO-550 engine and Hartzell propeller. Total airframe time as of last annual (11/16/22) was 1712.6 hours. The pilot, aged 39, held a Commercial Pilot certificate with Airplane Single-Engine and Multi-Engine Land and Instrument Airplane Ratings, as well as a Private Pilot – Rotorcraft – Helicopter Rating. He had a 3rd Class Medical Certificate issued 18 July 2019 with no limitations. Total flight time was approximately 1,584 hours, including 1,440 hours PIC and 1,233 hours on the SR22 type.
Meteorological Conditions
At the accident site, conditions were Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), daylight. Wind from 230° at 11 knots, visibility >6 statute miles, temperature 28°C, dewpoint 23°C. An IFR flight plan was filed.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were reported. The aircraft’s engine and front fuselage sustained fire damage.
Investigation Findings
A review of maintenance records indicated the aircraft was maintained in accordance with manufacturer and regulatory requirements. Investigation revealed that the cylinder head of the #3 cylinder assembly had separated from the barrel of that assembly. The barrel is steel, the head aluminum, joined by a threaded interface; they are not designed to be disassembled. The exact cause of the separation was not determined.
The failure resulted in an engine compartment fire. It appeared the fire may have started due to a fuel injection line being torn off, allowing raw fuel to be pumped onto the hot cylinder assembly with ignition sources from exposed spark plugs. The engine continued to operate, feeding the fire until landing and taxiing, causing substantial damage.
Probable Cause
The AAIA lists the probable cause as the separation of the #3 cylinder head from the cylinder assembly, resulting in an engine compartment fire. No contributing factors were determined.