Event Summary
The pilot of a single-engine airplane was repositioning the aircraft on an on-demand air taxi freight flight from Rochester, New York to Huntsville, Alabama. He had a planned refuel stop at Louisville, Kentucky.
Flight Details
Near Falmouth, Kentucky, the pilot changed his destination to Lexington due to a developing engine problem. He then saw Cynthiana Airport and elected to land there.
Accident Sequence
While on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the pilot observed the left engine cowling turning black. On base leg, he noted flames from the left engine. He reported shutting down the engine and feathering the propeller, but did not activate the fire extinguisher. During the landing roll, the airplane departed the runway to the right and collided with the airport wind tee, a pole, and a T-hangar.
Post-Accident Investigation
The post-accident investigation revealed that the left propeller was not feathered and the fuel was not shut off. The left brake was ineffective due to fire damage. Evidence indicated the fire began in the vicinity of the left engine accessory section, but the specific fuel source was not identified.
Probable Cause (Official Findings)
The official findings list two occurrences. Occurrence #1: a fire during the approach in VFR pattern downwind, attributed to: (1) engine, (2) fluid, fuel - leak, (3) fire extinguishing equipment not used by the pilot in command, (4) procedures/directives not followed by the pilot in command. Occurrence #2: an on-ground collision with object during the landing roll, attributed to: (5) landing gear normal brake system burned, and objects including (6) airport facility, (7) pole, (8) building (nonresidential).