Probable cause
An engine compartment fire during landing, which resulted in extensive fire damage, for reasons that could not be determined during examinations of the remaining wreckage.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot was conducting a cross-country flight. He reported that he could tell something was wrong as he started the descent for landing. He added that the engine was running "rough" and that it "quit" as the airplane touched down. He then observed black smoke and fire exiting out of the cowling.
An examination of the wreckage revealed that the airplane sustained discoloration, deformation, and extensive thermal damage to the right side of the fuselage forward of the empennage, the cockpit, and the engine cowling. The fuel line going to the carburetor was separated. A detailed examination of the fuel line revealed that it had separated due to bending overstress with evidence of exposure to high temperature. However, the on-scene and detailed examinations could not determine the source of the ignition.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA021 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 24, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Winneconne, Wisconsin
- Nearest airport
- Courtney Plummer (9WN1)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 28-235
- N-number
- N3979X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.