Cirrus Design Corp SR22 N454RK accident near Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Probable cause

A clamp rubbing a hole in a fuel drain line, which resulted in an engine compartment fuel leak and subsequent engine fire.

NTSB analysis

The airline transport pilot conducted a normal preflight inspection in preparation for a return cross-country flight. About a minute after engine start, she heard a "pop," followed by the smell of smoke, an erratic engine sound, and the illumination of the oil light. Ground and fire department personnel responded and extinguished the engine fire. Examination of the engine and compartment noted that part of the fuel drain line had a small hole next to an adel clamp. Although pieces of the drain line assembly were partially consumed by fire, the fire was likely caused by fuel leaking from the hole in the fuel drain line and onto the bottom cowling and firewall areas and igniting. Although it is likely that the hole in the drain line was the result of contact with the adel clamp, due to fire damage, the examination was unable to determine why the clamp may have rubbed a hole in the line or if the clamp was properly installed. However, the fuel drain line routing installation appeared consistent with the manufacturer's assembly instructions.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17LA034 for the full record.