Incident Overview
On 24 September 2006, a Piper PA28-161 aircraft, registration ZS-PPB, was involved in an engine fire incident on the apron at Rand Aerodrome (FAGM). The pilot, holding a Commercial Pilot licence with 551.4 total flying hours and 54.1 hours on type, was conducting a private operation.
Sequence of Events
The pilot and three passengers had completed an uneventful scenic flight lasting approximately 40 minutes and landed back at Rand Aerodrome. After the initial passengers disembarked, three new passengers boarded for another scenic flight. The pilot attempted to start the engine; after about five seconds, the engine failed to start. Believing the hot engine was flooded, the pilot employed a flooded start procedure, but the engine still did not start. He then attempted a normal start and noticed smoke emitting from the engine nacelle. Despite this, he continued cranking the engine for an additional five seconds without success.
Fire Response
The pilot instructed the passengers to disembark and used the aircraft's portable fire extinguisher on the fire that had initiated in the engine compartment. Unable to extinguish the fire, he attempted to attract the attention of the air traffic controller in the tower by waving. Realizing the controller could not see the aircraft from its position on the apron, the pilot ran to the Fire Service Department to obtain assistance. Fire personnel successfully extinguished the fire.
Damage and Injuries
No injuries were sustained by the pilot or passengers. The aircraft suffered substantial damage to the engine and engine cowlings due to the fire.
Maintenance History
The last Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) prior to the incident was certified on 16 August 2006 at 4,898 airframe hours. At the time of the incident, the aircraft had accumulated an additional 44.42 hours since that inspection.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the incident, wind was from 240° at 4 knots, temperature 17°C, and visibility was CAVOK.