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May 2, 2023 · Akrotech Aviation Giles G-202 · C-GXGS

Santa Barbara, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 2, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Santa Barbara, CA
Aircraft
Akrotech Aviation Giles G-202 (2003)
Tail Number
C-GXGS
Operator
Mkt Aerobatics
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR23LA176

The pilot of the experimental airplane reported that after a normal landing, during rollout the local air traffic controller advised him that they saw flames or smoke under the fuselage. After coming to a stop, the pilot egressed and dispensed a handheld fire extinguisher, successfully extinguishing a fire that had developed in the area of the front seat. The pilot stated he then saw liquid venting from the main tank vent that was igniting on the ground. Because his fire extinguisher was emptied, he pushed the airplane away from the fire, and by the time emergency response personnel arrived it had extinguished itself. The fuselage sustained substantial damage from the fire. According to the pilot, the fuel system consisted of two wing tanks and a main center tank in the fuselage. When a wing tank is selected for fuel delivery a distributor delivers fuel under constant pressure to the engine and returns excess to the main tank. The pilot stated that he typically switches fuel tanks during flight to manage the level in the main tank, and that landings, and takeoffs are typically performed with the main tank selected and partially full. However, for the accident flight, weather conditions caused an unplanned diversion, and he had to land the airplane with a full main tank. Due to the fuel configuration at the time of the landing, the main tank fuel quantity level was above the vent inlet line and combined with the landing flare attitude, the fuel began to vent. The vent line was located near the engine exhaust stack, and it is likely that high temperature exhaust gasses ignited misted or vaporized fuel as it exited the vent line. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation, and the accident could have been avoided if the fuel vent was extended to vent into the relative wind at all speeds.

NTSB Probable Cause

A fire that resulted from venting fuel coming into contact with hot exhaust surfaces or exhaust gases. Contributing to the fire was the design and location of the main tank fuel vent.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the experimental airplane reported that after a normal landing, during rollout the local air traffic controller advised him that they saw flames or smoke under the fuselage. After coming to a stop, the pilot egressed and dispensed a handheld fire extinguisher, successfully extinguishing a fire that had developed in the area of the front seat. The pilot stated he then saw liquid venting from the main tank vent that was igniting on the ground. Because his fire extinguisher was emptied, he pushed the airplane away from the fire, and by the time emergency response personnel arrived it had extinguished itself. The fuselage sustained substantial damage from the fire. According to the pilot, the fuel system consisted of two wing tanks and a main center tank in the fuselage. When a wing tank is selected for fuel delivery a distributor delivers fuel under constant pressure to the engine and returns excess to the main tank. The pilot stated that he typically switches fuel tanks during flight to manage the level in the main tank, and that landings, and takeoffs are typically performed with the main tank selected and partially full. However, for the accident flight, weather conditions caused an unplanned diversion, and he had to land the airplane with a full main tank. Due to the fuel configuration at the time of the landing, the main tank fuel quantity level was above the vent inlet line and combined with the landing flare attitude, the fuel began to vent. The vent line was located near the engine exhaust stack, and it is likely that high temperature exhaust gasses ignited misted or vaporized fuel as it exited the vent line. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation, and the accident could have been avoided if the fuel vent was extended to vent into the relative wind at all speeds.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:33 PDT
Nearest AirportSanta Barbara Municipal Airpor (0nm)
Runway25
Runway Length6052 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAkrotech Aviation Giles G-202
Tail NumberC-GXGS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMkt Aerobatics
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsAerosport Power · IO-360-EXP · Reciprocating · 200
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 37 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 5 kt
Visibility9 sm
CeilingOvercast 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 F / 48 F
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time11:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data