# NTSB ERA26LA262: Piper PA-28-161, N8394D, Easton, MD, June 29, 2026

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Investigation open
- Date: June 29, 2026, 16:45 UTC
- Place: Easton, MD · FBO Ramp
- Coordinates: 38.806873, -76.070111 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.8069&lon=-76.0701&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Standing-engine(s) start-up: Fire/smoke (non-impact)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/150)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Investigation ongoing
- Investigation class: Class 4 - Basic report with no Prelim publish
- NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 203330
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA26LA262
- Latest NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/203330/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA262

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Standing-engine(s) start-up: Fire/smoke (non-impact)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/150) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-161, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/150/sequence.md?model=7102803), [All aircraft, 504 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/150/sequence.md)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8394D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8394D), registered now, S/N 28-8116238, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-161 (NO SERIES)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-161](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-161) (registry code 7102803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-8116238
- Year built: 1981
- Airframe hours: 10039.2
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Harry Pray Aviation
- Registered owner: Trident Aircraft Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 1, 2026
- Destination: Same as departure
- Airport: ESN, Easton/Newnam Fld

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.15 inHg
- Observed at: KESN
- METAR: METAR KESN 301545Z 21005KT 10SM CLR 28/17 A3015=

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20260629012609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20260629012609A), Jun 29, 2026: Piper PA-28-161, Easton, MD, Substantial damage. After first flight, parked at ramp and shutdown aircraft for about 30 minutes. After preflight, initiated before start checklist, attempted to start engine, no…

## Other investigations on N8394D (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB CHI90LA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90LA085), Feb 18, 1990: Piper PA-28-161 (N8394D), Pontiac, MI, substantial damage. Probable cause: OVERLOAD FAILURE OF THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR ATTACH BOLTS FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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