No fatalities

Engine fire during startup leads to aircraft destruction (F-BGPM)

Siem Reap, CambodiaParking

On February 13, 1953, a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide (registration F-BGPM) operated by Aigle Azur was involved in an aviation accident near Siem Reap, Cambodia. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An engine fire occurred during the startup process. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An engine fire occurred during the startup phase of an aircraft, resulting in the total loss of the vehicle but no fatalities.

What happened

During the initial startup procedures, the left-side engine of the aircraft ignited into a fire. The incident occurred while the aircraft was still on the ground and before the commencement of taxiing or takeoff.

As the fire progressed, the crew and passengers were forced to perform an emergency evacuation. All five occupants successfully exited the cabin and moved away from the vehicle. Despite the successful evacuation, the intensity of the flames led to the total destruction of the aircraft.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary factor in the incident was a fire that originated within the left engine during its startup sequence.

Probable cause

An engine fire occurred during the startup process.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Feb 1953 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident near Siem Reap, Cambodia?

An engine fire occurred during the startup phase of an aircraft, resulting in the total loss of the vehicle but no fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Feb 1953 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Feb 1953 involved a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, registration F-BGPM, operated by Aigle Azur, at Siem Reap, Cambodia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An engine fire occurred during the startup process.