Probable cause
An in-flight fire due to a fuel leak from the No. 5 cylinder's broken fuel injector/line.
NTSB analysis
During takeoff the pilot heard a "pop" noise followed by smoke in the cockpit. The pilot elected to continue the takeoff roll and return to the airport; during the downwind leg, the smoke became severe. The pilot was able to land the airplane safely. Examination of the airplane revealed that the engine, cowling, and firewall sustained fire damage. Additionally the inspection revealed that a fuel injector/line on the No. 5 cylinder was broken and had sprayed fuel onto the engine's turbocharger.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA111 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 1, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Reserve, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Reserve Airport (T16)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-32R-301T
- N-number
- N3565B
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Ferry
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.