Engine fire involving a Beech BE36, VH-FFY, near Caloundra (ALA), Queensland, on 6 September 2013

On 6 September 2013, at about 1545 Eastern Standard Time, the pilot of a Beech A36 aircraft, registered VH‑FFY, taxied for a private flight from the Caloundra aeroplane landing area (ALA) to Archerfield, Queensland.

The pilot reported that, during the take-off run, all engine indications were normal. When at about 200 ft above ground level (AGL), the pilot detected a burning smell and observed smoke entering the cockpit from the pilot foot-well. The engine continued to produce power. At about 300 ft AGL, as the area was heavily forested, the pilot commenced a turn back to the runway for landing.

The pilot opened the left side storm window to draw the smoke out of the cockpit and reduced power. The engine then began to run rough. The pilot elected to conduct a forced landing and selected a suitable paddock. The pilot shut down the engine and prepared the aircraft for landing.

During the landing roll, the nose landing gear separated from the aircraft due to the uneven terrain and the propeller subsequently contacted the ground. One passenger sustained minor injuries.

After the accident, the exhaust tailpipe from the turbocharger assembly was found on the runway at Caloundra. An engineering inspection revealed that the tailpipe had separated at a weld joint.

As a result of this occurrence, the turbo-normalizing system manufacturer has advised the ATSB that the requirement to complete the circumferential weld will be highlighted in the installation instructions. The tailpipe supplied will also be clearly marked as supplied tack-welded, with additional instructions showing the requirement to perform the circumferential weld prior to flight. 

Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin - Issue 24