What happened
On 4 August 2016, a Piper PA-28-161 with registration 9M-SKC was being prepared for a solo flight at Malacca International Airport. The aircraft, operated by the Malaysian Flying Academy, was occupied by a single student pilot. Following the completion of pre-flight inspections, the pilot attempted to start the engine. After several unsuccessful attempts to initiate the start-up, the engine compartment caught fire. The pilot managed to shut down the engine and exit the aircraft safely without injury. Although ground personnel were present and successfully extinguished the flames using portable fire extinguishers, the fire had already caused extensive damage to the airframe and engine.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation focused on the sequence of engine start attempts and the subsequent ignition. Investigators determined that the repeated attempts to start the engine resulted in the engine becoming flooded with fuel. This accumulation of fuel, combined with a leak, provided the necessary conditions for ignition during a subsequent start attempt. The fire spread rapidly through the engine compartment. Due to the severity of the damage, the operator determined the aircraft was beyond economical repair, leading to the airframe being scrapped.
Findings
- The primary cause of the fire was the engine being flooded with fuel due to numerous unsuccessful start attempts.
- A fuel leak contributed to the rapid spread of the fire throughout the engine compartment.
- The student pilot was able to egress the aircraft unassisted and sustained no injuries.
- The fire was classified as a non-impact fire event.
Safety action
- The operator is required to ensure that all pilots utilize correct procedures when an engine fails to start on the initial attempt to prevent fuel flooding and subsequent fire risks.