Emergency Procedures Aircraft Fires

The Most Common Scenarios Engine Fire During Startup Electrical Fires Engine Fire During Flight Post-Crash Fire

Engine Fire During Startup Most likely cause: over-priming, particularly during cold weather Engine can backfire through carburetor, igniting fuel Emergency Procedures (Cessna 182T): If engine starts, run at 1700 RPM for a few minutes, then shut down and inspect for damage If no start, continue cranking with throttle wide open, mixture to idle cut off, fuel selector turned to off, then Fuel pump, magnetos, master switch off Evacuate plane taking fire extinguisher Use fire extinguisher, blanket or dirt to put out fire

Electrical Fire Often detected before any flames through over- voltage warning or acrid smell But smoke or smell could actually be from engine fire If no flames, may want to turn off master and all electrical switches, then turn master on and electrical switches one at a time to try to isolate problem Emergency Procedures (Typical): Master switch (Alt and Bat) off Communicate problem before this if possible Cabin air and heat vents closed Use fire extinguisher After fire is out, open cabin vents But beware of fire restart from increased air flow Land as soon as possible

Engine Fire In Flight Possible causes: leak in fuel line or mechanical pump, faulty carburetor, stuck valve or non- firing spark plug Emergency procedures (typical): Mixture control to idle cut off Fuel selector valve turned off Master switch (Alt and Bat) off Cabin heat and air vents closed O.K. to leave overhead vents open Increase airspeed (within limits) to try to extinguish fire Land as soon as possible (closest survivable location)

Post-Crash Fires Often more dangerous than the forced landing itself Most light aircraft not designed to withstand crash impact; fuel spill and hot components may result in fire The real threat may not be fire but smoke inhalation: CO and toxic gases from materials in A/C Get out of the plane ASAP! Use the fire extinguisher if safe to do so

The Best Solution - Prevention During pre-flight inspection look for evidence of potential fire threats: Fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid visible or can be smelled Combustible materials in engine compartment: birds nest, rags Exhaust system (for cracks) Brake hydraulic line fittings Look for leaks as part of pre-taxi brake checks Before takeoff, test all electrical components you’re likely to use during the flight