BFO93LA151

According to the pilot, just after takeoff he noted an odor. He stated that within 30 seconds to a minute, he noticed smoke in the cockpit. The pilot stated that he completed the emergency checklist which included turning off all electrical power. He elected to return for a landing. After landing, the pilot stated that he was able to taxi the airplane onto the taxiway. He left the airplane to seek assistance in extinguishing the fire. On his return to the airplane, he noted the fire had spread throughout the cabin and to the empennage area. The fire was extinguished, but the cabin area and nose compartment were destroyed by the fire. An examination of the airplane after the accident did not reveal the source of the fire.

On Thursday, September 2, 1993, at 1000 eastern daylight time, N31858, a Piper PA-34-200T, owned by W M T Inc. of Williamson, West Virginia, and piloted by James Klepper of Abingdon, Virginia, was destroyed by fire at Williamson Mingo County Airport, Williamson, West Virginia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The certificated airline transport pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91 and the intended destination was Abingdon, Virginia.

According to the pilot, just after takeoff, "I began smelling a hot smell. Within 30 seconds to 1 minute I started to see smoke in the cockpit. After going through and completing the emergency check list and turning off all electrical including master switch, I elected to return for a landing...I was able to taxi the aircraft off of the runway onto the taxiway...after exiting the aircraft I called the operator for assistance." The fire had spread throughout the airplane destroying it. An examination of the airplane after the accident did not reveal the source of the fire.