Probable cause
The on-ground fire during taxi due to a loose fuel line "B" nut.
NTSB analysis
While taxiing to the runway for departure, the pilot noticed flames entering the cockpit below his feet. He immediately stopped the airplane and shut the engine down and he and his passenger exited the airplane. The airport’s Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) team responded and extinguished the fire, which was originating from the engine compartment. A few minutes later, the fire reportedly ignited a second time and was immediately extinguished by ARFF personnel. Examination of the airplane revealed that the engine firewall was fire damaged and buckled. A "B" nut attaching the firewall end of the fuel line from the firewall to the engine driven fuel pump was found "finger tight." When the airplane was placed in a tail high attitude, fuel was observed leaking from this fitting. The reason for the loose "B" nut was undetermined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for SEA08LA216 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 1, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Idaho Falls, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RV-8
- N-number
- N272RS
- 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.