Probable cause
A fire of undetermined origin in the engine compartment.
NTSB analysis
While taxiing the airplane for departure, air traffic control alerted the pilot that his airplane's engine was on fire. The pilot responded by shutting down the engine, turning off the fuel selector and the electrical master switch, and exiting the airplane. Personnel from the local fixed based operator arrived and suppressed most of the fire until the local off-airport fire department could arrive to put out the remainder. The fire damage was limited to the right side of the engine compartment. The area of the origin for the fire was the right forward side of the engine compartment based on the severity of the damage. The exact source of fuel and ignition of the fire could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09LA199 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 14, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Manassas, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Manassas Regional Airport (HEF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built LONG-EZ
- N-number
- N770EZ
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.