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NTSB Report

July 4, 2024 · Piper PA-32RT-300T · N184VA

Myerstown, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 4, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Myerstown, PA
Aircraft
Piper PA-32RT-300T (1978)
Tail Number
N184VA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA24LA302

The pilot reported that preflight and ground operations were normal. During the takeoff roll, he noticed a flashing exhaust gas temperature indication and elected to abort the takeoff. He pulled off onto a turnaround to troubleshoot the problem. A red “X” then appeared over the oil pressure display and one of the passengers noticed flames emanating from the right side of the engine cowling. The pilot shut down the engine, exited the airplane with the passengers, and attempted to extinguish the flames with a fire bottle and blankets. Postaccident examination of the wreckage determined that there was substantial fire and heat damage to the engine and forward fuselage. Further examination of the engine area revealed concentrated damage near cylinder Nos. 3 and 5. The B-nut on the stainless-steel fuel injector line between the No. 5 cylinder and the right fuel injector manifold was loose, and was less than finger-tight. The turbocharger was located aft of this loose B-nut. No other fuel system fittings were found to be loose. An annual inspection was completed on the airframe and engine two days before the accident, including maintenance that required removing and reinstalling the fuel injector lines. It is likely that the No. 5 cylinder B-nut was not securely tightened when reinstalled, allowing it to loosen and spray fuel on the turbocharger and exhaust system, resulting in an engine fire.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of maintenance personnel to properly secure a B-nut on the No. 5 cylinder fuel injector line, resulting in a fuel leak and engine fire.

Full Narrative

On July 4, 2024, about 0400 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32RT-300T airplane, N184VA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Myerstown, Pennsylvania. The commercial pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he was preparing to take off on runway 1 at Deck Airport (9D4), Myerstown, Pennsylvania, with a destination of Wayne County Airport (EKQ), Monticello, Kentucky, when the accident occurred. The preflight inspection and ground operations were uneventful. During the takeoff roll, at about 50-60 knots, the pilot noticed a flashing exhaust gas temperature indication and elected to abort the takeoff. He pulled off onto the turnaround area at the north end of the runway to troubleshoot the problem. A red “X” then appeared over the oil pressure display and one of the passengers noticed flames emanating from the right side of the engine cowling. The pilot shut down the engine, exited the airplane with the passengers, and attempted to extinguish the flames with a fire bottle and blankets. The local fire department was called to assist in extinguishing the fire. An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. He reported that there was substantial fire and heat damage to the forward fuselage and engine. A subsequent examination of the wreckage was performed by FAA inspectors. A majority of the fire and heat damage appeared to be concentrated near cylinder Nos. 3 and 5. Further examination revealed that the B-nut on the stainless steel fuel injector line between the No. 5 cylinder and the right fuel injector manifold was loose, and was less than finger-tight. The turbocharger was located aft of this loose B-nut. No other fuel system fittings were found to be loose. A review of the maintenance logbooks revealed that an annual inspection of the airframe and engine was completed on July 2, 2024, two days before the accident. The engine logbook entry stated that that a fuel system pressure check was performed during the inspection. The mechanic who performed the annual inspection reported that the owner asked to have the fuel injectors cleaned due to an intermittent rough idle. The injector lines were removed at the injector, and the injectors were removed and cleaned. The injectors were reinstalled in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The injector lines were also inspected during the cleaning process.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time04:00 EDT
Nearest AirportDeck Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledVfif
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32RT-300T
Tail NumberN184VA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-S1AD · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time03:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data