Incident Overview
On 13 May 2003 at 0800Z, a Piper PA32R-301 aircraft, registration ZS-NVB, was involved in a fire incident at FAKU (Kuruman) during engine start on the ground. The flight was a private operation. Fine weather conditions prevailed at the time.
Sequence of Events
The pilot, accompanied by 2 passengers, had flown the aircraft from Krugersdorp to Kuruman. After the passengers disembarked, the pilot restarted the engine with the intention to return to Krugersdorp. White smoke emitted from the engine compartment. The pilot stopped the engine and attempted to extinguish the fire using the aircraft's fire extinguisher and one from the aerodrome, but was unsuccessful. Shortly thereafter, the local fire brigade arrived and successfully extinguished the fire.
Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial fire damage in the engine compartment, the nose baggage section, and the instrument panel. There were no injuries and no fatalities.
Investigation Findings
The cause of the fuel fire in the engine compartment could not be determined. However, the design of the firewall allowed the fire to spread into the nose baggage compartment and from there, through the bulkhead into the cabin area.
Probable Cause
The cause of the fuel fire in the engine compartment could not be determined. However, the design of the firewall allowed the fire to spread into the nose baggage compartment and from there, through the bulkhead into the cabin area.