Incident Overview

Description
The aircraft took off from Saint Jean Airport, Canada on a ferry flight to Toronto, via Montreal. Near St. Anne de Bellevue it was noticed that the propellers were not synchronized. Shortly after the port engine lost power and there was indication of fluctuating fuel pressure. On checking the port engine cylinder head temperature, the instrument read “full hot”. Power was reduced and the ATC at Montreal cleared the aircraft for landing. Approximately 2 miles west of the airport, at 1000 feet flames were seen coming out of the cowling behind the firewall of the port engine. An attempt to feather the engine was made and the ignition was turned off. The fire extinguisher lever was pulled with no result. Clearance was obtained for an emergency landing on runway 10 and a normal flaps-up lauding was made. The brakes were inoperative during the landing roll and the aircraft was steered onto the grass area of the runway, The fuel shut-off valves were not turned off when the pilot and co-pilot abandoned the aircraft. The aircraft was destroyed by the fire. PROBABLE CAUSE: “Exact cause of the fire has not been determined. The aircraft was destroyed on the ground by a fire which started in flight in the port engine.”
Primary Cause
Fire originating from the port engine during takeoff and initial flight operation.Fire originating from the port engine during takeoff and initial flight operation.Share on: