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NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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August 5, 1982 · Piper PA-28-161 · N43745

Brainerd, MN

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 5, 1982
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Brainerd, MN
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N43745
Operator
Thunderbird Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI82DA300

WHILE ON THE LANDING ROLL, THE ENGINE QUIT OPERATING AND THE PILOT TURNED OFF ONTO A TAXIWAY. HE THEN ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE HOT ENGINE. DURING THIS TIME, SMOKE BEGAN COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE COWLING. THE PILOT EXITED FROM THE AIRCRAFT AND NOTED A SMALL FIRE (FLAMES) IN THE LOWER PART OF THE ENGINE. NO FIRE EXTINGUISHER WAS READILY AVAILABLE, SO THE FIRE JUST BURNED ITSELF OUT, BUT SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE OCCURRED. AND INVESTIGATION REVEALED FIRE DAMAGE ON THE RIGHT SIDE NEAR THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, BUT NO LEAKS OR BROKEN FUEL LINES WERE FOUND. THE POSSIBILITY OF FLOODING THE CARBURETOR WAS CONSIDERED, BUT THIS WAS NOT VERIFIED. HOWEVER, THE CARBURETOR FLOAT LEVEL WAS FOUND TO BE 1/64 OF AN INCH LOW.

Full Narrative

WHILE ON THE LANDING ROLL, THE ENGINE QUIT OPERATING AND THE PILOT TURNED OFF ONTO A TAXIWAY. HE THEN ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE HOT ENGINE. DURING THIS TIME, SMOKE BEGAN COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE COWLING. THE PILOT EXITED FROM THE AIRCRAFT AND NOTED A SMALL FIRE (FLAMES) IN THE LOWER PART OF THE ENGINE. NO FIRE EXTINGUISHER WAS READILY AVAILABLE, SO THE FIRE JUST BURNED ITSELF OUT, BUT SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE OCCURRED. AND INVESTIGATION REVEALED FIRE DAMAGE ON THE RIGHT SIDE NEAR THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, BUT NO LEAKS OR BROKEN FUEL LINES WERE FOUND. THE POSSIBILITY OF FLOODING THE CARBURETOR WAS CONSIDERED, BUT THIS WAS NOT VERIFIED. HOWEVER, THE CARBURETOR FLOAT LEVEL WAS FOUND TO BE 1/64 OF AN INCH LOW.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 CDT
Nearest AirportEASTGULL (0nm N)
Runway9
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN43745
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorThunderbird Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D36 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 61 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point18 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

External Links

Appendix: Source Data