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NTSB Report
June 27, 1985 · Piper PA-28-236 · N8253C
Ajo, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 27, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Ajo, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-236
Tail Number
N8253C
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX85LA296
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE FOR A PLANNED AIR TAXI FLIGHT UNDER CONDITIONS INCLUDING AN OUTSIDE AIR TEMP OF 118 DEGS F, A FIRE ERUPTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE OCCUPANTS SAFETY EVACUATED THE ACFT & HAD TO WALK 1/4 OF A MILE TO OBTAIN ASSISTANCE. 15 MIN LATER FIRE TRUCKS FROM THE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED ON SCENE & EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ACFT WAS VIRTUALLY COMSUMED BY THE FIRE, & THE FUEL FED FIRE'S POINT OF ORIGIN IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS NOT ASCERTAINED.
Full Narrative
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE FOR A PLANNED AIR TAXI FLIGHT UNDER CONDITIONS INCLUDING AN OUTSIDE AIR TEMP OF 118 DEGS F, A FIRE ERUPTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE OCCUPANTS SAFETY EVACUATED THE ACFT & HAD TO WALK 1/4 OF A MILE TO OBTAIN ASSISTANCE. 15 MIN LATER FIRE TRUCKS FROM THE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED ON SCENE & EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ACFT WAS VIRTUALLY COMSUMED BY THE FIRE, & THE FUEL FED FIRE'S POINT OF ORIGIN IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS NOT ASCERTAINED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:50 MST
Nearest AirportAJO (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-236
Tail NumberN8253C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-J3A5D · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 54 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point12 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO