Incident
On 1 June 2014 at 1539 UTC, a Piper PA-28-151 (Modified) Cherokee Warrior, registration G-BXLY, was parked on the West Apron at Leeds Bradford Airport. The pilot, a 20-year-old private pilot with 104 total flying hours (95 on type), completed external and pre-start checks. After priming the engine and operating the starter, the engine failed to start. Two further start attempts were unsuccessful. Following the third attempt, the pilot observed smoke emanating from the engine cowling. He switched off the equipment and, together with the passenger, evacuated the aircraft and moved away.
Air Traffic Control received an internal telephone call from a security guard alerting them to the situation. ATC initiated local emergency response procedures. The airport's Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) arrived one minute after being alerted. By that time, the smoke had turned to flames, but the fire was quickly extinguished. The only damage was to the engine; neither occupant was injured.
Investigation
The aircraft operator conducted an investigation, aided by CCTV footage that captured the multiple start attempts culminating in the engine fire. A technical investigation found no evidence of engine or component malfunction. The fire was suspected to have resulted from over-priming during the start attempts. The investigation recommended that the pilot receive refresher training covering all aspects of the private pilot syllabus, with emphasis on emergency procedures and pilot actions in the event of an engine fire. Upon completion of training, the pilot would be required to pass a check flight before being approved to hire the organisation's aircraft.