4H Emergencies - Smoke and Fire

Question 0

2. What procedure should be followed if an engine fire develops in flight? (POH)

Answer 0

In the event of an engine fire in flight, the following procedure should be used:

a. Set the mixture control to “Idle cutoff.”
b. Set the fuel selector valve to “Off.”
c. Turn the master switch to “Off.”
d. Set the cabin heat and air vents to “Off;” leave the overhead vents “On.”
e. Establish an airspeed of 105 KIAS and increase the descent, if necessary, to find an airspeed that will provide for an incombustible mixture.
f. Execute a forced landing procedures checklist.

Question 1

1. What procedure should be followed if an engine fire develops on the ground during starting? (POH)

Answer 1

Continue to attempt an engine start as a start will cause flames and excess fuel to be sucked back through the carburetor.
a. If the engine starts:
• Increase the power to a higher rpm for a few moments; and then
• Shut down the engine and inspect it.
b. If the engine does not start:
• Set the throttle to the “Full” position.
• Set the mixture control to “Idle cutoff.”
• Continue to try an engine start in an attempt to put out the fire by vacuum.
c. If the fire continues:
• Obtain fire extinguisher and/or fire personnel assistance
• Turn the master switch to “Off.”
• Turn the ignition switch to “Off.”
• Set the fuel selector to “Off.”
• Extinguish the fire using extinguisher
Evacuate the aircraft and obtain a fire extinguisher and/or fire personnel assistance.

Question 2

3. What procedure should be followed if an electrical fire develops inside the aircraft? (POH)

Answer 2

If an electrical fire is suspected (burning odor), the pilot should initially try to identify the possible source by checking all circuit breakers, avionics and instruments. If the problem is not detected and the odor or smoke continues, the following checklist should be completed:

a. Turn the master switch to “Off.”
b. Set the avionics power switch to “Off.”
c. Set all other switches to “Off” except the ignition switch.
d. Close all air/heat vents as well as any other air vents.
e. Use fire extinguisher.

Question 3

4. What troubleshooting procedure should be followed in determining the cause of an electrical fire that is not readily apparent? (POH)

Answer 3

If the electrical fire is out and electrical power is necessary for continued flight, the following may be performed:

a. Turn the master switch “On.”
b. Check all the circuit breakers for their status; DO NOT RESET.
c. Check that all radio switches are “Off.”
d. Turn avionics power switch “On.”
e. Cautiously turn radio and electrical switches “On” one at a time with a short delay after each until short circuit is isolated.

Question 4

5. What procedure should be followed if a cabin fire ­develops in flight? (POH)

Answer 4

Typically cabin fires are electrical in nature and identifying and disabling the faulty circuit is the first priority. However, careless smoking by passengers has also been a significant cause of cabin fires. The following checklist should be completed:

a. Turn the master switch to “Off.”
b. Close all air/heat vents.
c. Use a fire extinguisher if available.
d. Land as soon as possible.

Question 5

6. What procedure should be followed if a wing fire develops in flight? (POH)

Answer 5

If a wing fire develops in flight, the following checklist should be completed:
a. Set the navigation light switch to “Off.”
b. Set the strobe light switch to “Off.”
c. Set the pitot heat switch to “Off.”
Initiate a sideslip maneuver to avoid flames from getting to the fuel tank and cabin area, then land as soon as possible.