What happened
On 24 September 2006, a Piper PA28-161, registration ZS-PPB, was involved in an engine fire while parked on the apron at Rand Aerodrome (FAGM). Following a successful scenic flight, the pilot prepared the aircraft for a second flight with a new group of passengers. During the engine start sequence, the engine failed to ignite after approximately five seconds. The pilot, suspecting a flooded engine due to the high temperature, attempted a flooded start procedure. Upon a subsequent normal start attempt, smoke was observed emerging from the engine nacelle. The pilot continued cranking the engine for several seconds despite the smoke, after which a fire developed within the engine compartment.
In response to the fire, the pilot directed the passengers to disembark and attempted to use the aircraft's onboard fire extinguisher. When this proved ineffective, the pilot attempted to signal the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) by waving from the apron. Finding no immediate assistance, the pilot ran to the airport's Fire Service Department to request help. Fire personnel arrived and successfully extinguished the flames. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passengers, though the aircraft suffered substantial damage to its engine and cowlings.
The investigation
Investigators examined the sequence of events leading to the ignition and the aircraft's maintenance history. The aircraft had recently undergone a Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) on 16 August 2006, with 44.42 hours flown since that inspection. The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the engine and the pilot's start-up procedures.
Findings
- The fire was caused by the pilot over-priming the engine prior to the start attempt.
- This action led to an accumulation of excessive fuel within the engine compartment.
- The accumulated fuel ignited during the start sequence, initiating the fire.
- The pilot's attempt to signal the ATC was unsuccessful because the aircraft's position on the apron was not visible from the control tower.