Summary
The aircraft was on climb towing a glider when the pilot saw smoke and flames around the left rudder pedal area. The glider was released and the pilot landed the aircraft in a paddock. He abandoned the aircraft before it was destroyed by fire. Because of the severity of damage the cause of the fire could not be determined. It was established that the fire melted fuel lines in the cockpit walls and fuel released then fed the fire which completely gutted the aircraft.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 198500125 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 05/01/1985 |
| Location | 2km East of Northam Aerodrome |
| Report release date | 25/03/1985 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Fire |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Piper Aircraft Corp |
|---|---|
| Model | PA-22 |
| Registration | VH-AMX |
| Operation type | Private |
| Departure point | Northam WA |
| Destination | Northam WA |
| Damage | Destroyed |