Probable cause
An engine compartment fire for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive thermal damage.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while enroute at 5,500 ft on a night cross-country flight, flames started coming out of the oil access door on the airplane’s cowling. The pilot executed an emergency landing and exited the airplane without further incident or injury. The fire continued to burn, and the airplane was destroyed.
A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine confirmed evidence of a fire in the engine compartment but its source could not be identified due to extensive thermal damage. The reason for the fire could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA147 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 4, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bluff Dale, Texas
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Bellanca 7KCAB
- N-number
- N8946
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1973
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.