Taylorcraft BC12-D1 N44351 accident near Eastport, Michigan

Probable cause

A fuel leak in the engine compartment and subsequent fire, the source of which could not be determined because of extensive postaccident fire damage.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he noticed the smell of gasoline while in cruise flight about 5 to 8 miles from his intended destination. He stated that when the airplane was on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the smell of the gasoline became much stronger. During the landing flare, the engine stopped producing power, and the pilot smelled a very strong odor that he described as a burnt metal smell. After landing, the pilot departed the airplane quickly. About 45 seconds later, flames started coming out of the left side of the engine cowl. The fire spread, and within about 15 minutes, it had consumed most of the airplane. The examination of the wreckage revealed that the most extensive fire damage was located on the left rear side of the engine; however, the source of the fuel leak and fire could not be determined because of the fire damage.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA490 for the full record.