Aircraft Fires

Engine Fire During Startup

Electrical Fires

Engine Fire During Flight

Post-Crash Fire

Most likely cause: over-priming, particularly during cold weather

Engine can backfire through carburetor, igniting fuel

Emergency Procedures (Cessna 182T):◦ If engine starts, run at 1700 RPM for a few minutes, then

shut down and inspect for damage◦ If no start, continue cranking with throttle wide open,

mixture to idle cut off, fuel selector turned to off, then Fuel pump, magnetos, master switch off Evacuate plane taking fire extinguisher Use fire extinguisher, blanket or dirt to put out fire

Often detected before any flames through over-voltage warning or acrid smell

But smoke or smell could actually be from engine fire If no flames, may want to turn off master and all electrical

switches, then turn master on and electrical switches one at a time to try to isolate problem

Emergency Procedures (Typical):◦ Master switch (Alt and Bat) off

Communicate problem before this if possible◦ Cabin air and heat vents closed◦ Use fire extinguisher ◦ After fire is out, open cabin vents

But beware of fire restart from increased air flow◦ Land as soon as possible

Possible causes: leak in fuel line or mechanical pump, faulty carburetor, stuck valve or non-firing spark plug

Emergency procedures (typical):◦ Mixture control to idle cut off◦ Fuel selector valve turned off ◦ Master switch (Alt and Bat) off◦ Cabin heat and air vents closed

O.K. to leave overhead vents open◦ Increase airspeed (within limits) to try to extinguish

fire◦ Land as soon as possible (closest survivable location)

Often more dangerous than the forced landing itself

Most light aircraft not designed to withstand crash impact; fuel spill and hot components may result in fire The real threat may not be fire but smoke inhalation: CO

and toxic gases from materials in A/C

Get out of the plane ASAP! Use the fire extinguisher if safe to do so

During pre-flight inspection look for evidence of potential fire threats:◦ Fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid visible or can be smelled◦ Combustible materials in engine compartment:

birds nest, rags◦ Exhaust system (for cracks)◦ Brake hydraulic line fittings

Look for leaks as part of pre-taxi brake checks◦ Before takeoff, test all electrical components

you’re likely to use during the flight