Engine Fire During Start: Prevent and Respond
Avoid over-priming, which commonly causes start-up fires, and know your aircraft's engine-fire-during-start procedure – the C152 example is outlined.
1 min readKapiti Aero Club safety team
Engine fires during start-up are rare, but they are a risk – especially in cold conditions, when the engine is more likely to be over-primed. All pilots should know how to respond.
Prevention is the most important step: follow the correct priming procedure for your aircraft and avoid over-priming, a common cause of engine fires during start.
Make sure you know the engine fire during start procedure in your aircraft's flight manual or Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH). For example, the Cessna 152 checklist includes:
1. Cranking – CONTINUE. 2. If the engine starts: - Power – 1700 RPM for a few minutes. - Engine – SHUT DOWN. 3. If the engine fails to start: - Cranking – CONTINUE. - Fire extinguisher – use if needed. - Engine – SECURE: master switch OFF, ignition switch OFF, fuel shutoff valve OFF. - Fire – EXTINGUISH. - Inspect for damage and report.
Procedures vary between aircraft – make sure you know the emergency procedures for the aircraft you're flying, and always use the current POH checklist.