Post-takeoff engine issue leads to aircraft fire at Citrusdal Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • Citrusdal Aerodrome, ZA

A Cessna T207 involved in parachute operations experienced a brake failure and subsequent ground fire during an aborted takeoff at Citrusdal.

What happened

On February 17, 2002, a Cessna T207, registration ZS-ASC, was conducting parachute dropping operations at Citrusdal Aerodrome in the Western Cape. Following a series of successful drops, the aircraft was refueled and inspected for a subsequent flight. During the engine start-up, the engine experienced several interruptions caused by fuel flow surges, a common occurrence in fuel-injected engines during high-temperature starts. Although the pilot observed the fuel flow stabilize during the power check, a perceived issue arose shortly after lift-off.

During the initial climb, the pilot noted a drop in fuel flow of roughly 3 gallons per hour. Believing the engine was malfunctioning, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff and return to the runway. During this aborted maneuver, the aircraft encountered rough terrain, which tore the right-hand brake line from its caliper. This failure caused the aircraft to veer toward the left side of the runway.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the sequence of events following the aborted takeoff and the subsequent fire. The pilot successfully halted the aircraft before reaching the perimeter fence by utilizing full right rudder and the left brake. However, while the pilot waited for the turbocharger to cool down, a fire was observed in the grass surrounding the left wheel. The pilot immediately deactivated the engine and evacuated the occupants. While the pilot and passengers attempted to suppress the flames using the onboard extinguisher, the unit was exhausted before the fire could be contained. Eventually, personnel from the nearby drop zone arrived with additional equipment to extinguish the blaze.

Findings

  • The pilot elected to abort the takeoff based on a perceived fuel flow fluctuation that did not actually involve a loss of engine power.
  • The loss of the right-hand brake line was caused by the aircraft traversing rough ground during the aborted takeoff.
  • The fire was ignited by overheated brakes and tires coming into contact with dry grass.
  • The pilot's decision to shut down the engine rather than taxiing away from the burning area contributed to the fire's persistence.

Probable cause

The primary cause was an unnecessary aborted takeoff due to a perceived fuel flow issue despite no loss of engine power, which led to a brake failure and subsequent fire caused by overheated components contacting dry grass.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-02-17 Cessna T207 accident near Citrusdal Aerodrome, ZA?

A Cessna T207 involved in parachute operations experienced a brake failure and subsequent ground fire during an aborted takeoff at Citrusdal.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-02-17 involved a Cessna T207, registration ZS-ASC, at Citrusdal Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause was an unnecessary aborted takeoff due to a perceived fuel flow issue despite no loss of engine power, which led to a brake failure and subsequent fire caused by overheated components contacting dry grass.

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