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NTSB Report
November 16, 1987 · Mandley Steen Skybolt Steen SKYB · N44JM
Placida, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 16, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Placida, FL
Aircraft
Mandley Steen Skybolt Steen SKYB
Tail Number
N44JM
Operator
Ledward Richard
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA88LA037
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENG THE PLT HEARD IT BACKFIRE & THEN OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE ENG COWLING. HE THEN IMMEDIATELY EXITED THE ACFT & LEFT THE SCENE TO SUMMON THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. HE LATER RETURNED TO FIND THE AIRCRAFT CONSUMED BY FIRE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, AND NO FIRE GUARD WAS POSTED OUTSIDE THE ACFT DURING THE ENG START. IT IS CONSIDERED GOOD GENERAL PRACTICE TO CONTINUE MOTORING THE ENG AFTER A BACKFIRE TO BLOW EXISTING FIRE OUT OF THE ENG AREA THROUGH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.
Full Narrative
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENG THE PLT HEARD IT BACKFIRE & THEN OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE ENG COWLING. HE THEN IMMEDIATELY EXITED THE ACFT & LEFT THE SCENE TO SUMMON THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. HE LATER RETURNED TO FIND THE AIRCRAFT CONSUMED BY FIRE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, AND NO FIRE GUARD WAS POSTED OUTSIDE THE ACFT DURING THE ENG START. IT IS CONSIDERED GOOD GENERAL PRACTICE TO CONTINUE MOTORING THE ENG AFTER A BACKFIRE TO BLOW EXISTING FIRE OUT OF THE ENG AREA THROUGH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:52 EST
Nearest AirportROTONDA (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMandley Steen Skybolt Steen SKYB
Tail NumberN44JM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorLedward Richard
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 8 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC