Guys,
I was running my engine today prior to flight, waiting for the oil temperature as always. SkyView warned "Shutting down in 30 seconds" and "Aircraft Power Lost". I shut down immediately, smelled smoke, then saw smoke at my feet. Exited the cockpit, peeked through the oil service hatch, saw yellow flames about 3-4" tall burning gently at rear of engine, straight below GPS antennae about 7". Extinguished immediately. Removed top cowl. Disconnected ship's battery. Fire appears electrical, but cause unknown. Pitot tube melted away for about 6" section (that appears to be mostly the combustion). Wire bundle severely compromised. Both throttle cables and both choke cables badly burned where they're bundled together and tie-wrapped to motor mount about 6" forward of firewall.
The hits just keep on comin'!
Jim
N448JR
I was running my engine today prior to flight, waiting for the oil temperature as always. SkyView warned "Shutting down in 30 seconds" and "Aircraft Power Lost". I shut down immediately, smelled smoke, then saw smoke at my feet. Exited the cockpit, peeked through the oil service hatch, saw yellow flames about 3-4" tall burning gently at rear of engine, straight below GPS antennae about 7". Extinguished immediately. Removed top cowl. Disconnected ship's battery. Fire appears electrical, but cause unknown. Pitot tube melted away for about 6" section (that appears to be mostly the combustion). Wire bundle severely compromised. Both throttle cables and both choke cables badly burned where they're bundled together and tie-wrapped to motor mount about 6" forward of firewall.
The hits just keep on comin'!
Jim
N448JR