Engine fire on take-off — Air Tractor AT-802 agricultural

Summary

An Air Tractor AT-802A developed a PT6A engine fire during the take-off roll at Narromine Airport. The pilot aborted the take-off and brought the aircraft to a stop on the runway. The pilot evacuated and the fire was extinguished by airport crash rescue. The aircraft sustained damage to the engine compartment and firewall; the pilot was uninjured.

Investigation Findings (4)

1. 01A fractured fuel line downstream of the fuel control unit was identified as the source of fuel release into the engine bay.
2. 02The fuel line had experienced stress cracking due to vibration fatigue, consistent with inadequate support clamping.
3. 03Air Tractor Inc. issued a Service Bulletin recommending additional support clamps on the affected fuel line routing.
4. 04The on-board fire suppression system was activated but had expired recharge cartridges — they did not deploy.