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April 12, 1985 · Piper PA 22-150 · N5738D
New London, VA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 12, 1985
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
New London, VA
Aircraft
Piper PA 22-150
Tail Number
N5738D
Operator
Assoc Wheels Inc Avia Div
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
BFO85LA038
WHILE EXITING THE TRAFFIC PATTERN AFTER TKOF THE PLT SMELLED SMOKE AND OBSERVED FLAMES NEAR THE LEFT RUDDER PEDAL. AFTER FAILING TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH HIS SHOES THE PLT RETURNED TO THE ARPT AND SUBSEQUENTLY LNDD USING SIDE WINDOW TO LOOK OUT OF DUE TO SMOKE IN THE COCKPIT. DURING LNDG THE PLT WAS FORCED TO REMOVE HIS FEET FM THE RUDDER PEDALS DUE TO FIRE. HE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE HAND BRAKE BUT VEERED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF RWY BEFORE COLLIDING WITH A DITCH AND FENCE. EXAM REVEALED THE BAT CABLE FD SEPARATED AND SHOWED SIGNS OF INTENSE HEAT AT A PT ABT 4 INCHES FM THE STARTER SWITCH. THE SEP PT WAS LOCATED BENEATH THE PLTS SEAT WHERE THE CABLE PASSED THRU A RUBBER GROMMET IN A METAL BOX HOUSING ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS.
Full Narrative
WHILE EXITING THE TRAFFIC PATTERN AFTER TKOF THE PLT SMELLED SMOKE AND OBSERVED FLAMES NEAR THE LEFT RUDDER PEDAL. AFTER FAILING TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH HIS SHOES THE PLT RETURNED TO THE ARPT AND SUBSEQUENTLY LNDD USING SIDE WINDOW TO LOOK OUT OF DUE TO SMOKE IN THE COCKPIT. DURING LNDG THE PLT WAS FORCED TO REMOVE HIS FEET FM THE RUDDER PEDALS DUE TO FIRE. HE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE HAND BRAKE BUT VEERED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF RWY BEFORE COLLIDING WITH A DITCH AND FENCE. EXAM REVEALED THE BAT CABLE FD SEPARATED AND SHOWED SIGNS OF INTENSE HEAT AT A PT ABT 4 INCHES FM THE STARTER SWITCH. THE SEP PT WAS LOCATED BENEATH THE PLTS SEAT WHERE THE CABLE PASSED THRU A RUBBER GROMMET IN A METAL BOX HOUSING ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:40 EST
Nearest AirportNew London (0nm N)
Runway34
Runway Length3164 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireIflt
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA 22-150
Tail NumberN5738D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorAssoc Wheels Inc Avia Div
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 28 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind192°
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time16:00
Weather SourcePILO