CEN11LA504

According to the pilot, the light sport airplane had recently undergone an engine upgrade. After an initial ground test, the airplane was taxied to the runway for a short test flight. The pilot reported that, as the airplane approached the runway, the engine stopped. Shortly afterward, flames were seen coming from the engine area. The pilot further stated that the fire started and spread so quickly that it had to have been started by a fuel leak. Based on an examination of the damage to the airplane’s engine compartment and the rapid fire progression, it is likely that the engine fire was caused by a fuel leak.

On July 22, 2011, about 1830 central daylight time, a light-sport Quasar, 214SL, airplane, N89QL, experienced an engine fire prior to take-off from the Meacham International Airport (FTW), Fort Worth, Texas. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged during the accident. The aircraft was registered to and operated by Angelina Air, Inc., Wilmington, Delaware, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, the airplane had recently undergone an engine upgrade. The replacement engine included the addition of a turbocharger. After an initial ground test, the airplane was taxied to the runway for a short test flight. The pilot added that as the airplane approached the runway, the engine stopped. Shortly, afterward flames were seen coming from the engine area. The pilot stated that the fire started and spread so quickly, that it had to have been started by a fuel leak. A visual examination of the airplane by the responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector confirmed substantial damage to the airplane, as a result of the engine fire. The inspector added that the damage to the engine’s compartment appeared consistent with a fuel fed fire. A completed copy of NTSB Form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Accident Report, was not submitted by the pilot as requested.