Piper PA 28-161 N9887K accident near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

An engine fire, which resulted from the overpriming of a hot engine.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he landed the airplane and parked it to address an in-flight anomaly with his headset. He then performed a preflight inspection. Before starting the engine, he pumped the primer twice and then attempted to start the engine. Subsequently, he observed smoke emanating from the engine area. He continued attempting to start the engine while moving the mixture lever to the fuel "cutoff" position. He then observed flames emanating from under the engine cowling, discontinued attempting to start the engine, and exited the airplane.

Postaccident examination revealed extensive fire damage to the engine and airframe that appeared to have originated in or around the carburetor. The Pilot's Operating Handbook provided no guidance on using the primer when starting a hot engine but stated that "engine fires during start are usually the result of overpriming." It is likely that the hot engine was overprimed, which resulted in excess fuel in the carburetor and the subsequent engine fire.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15LA369 for the full record.