Manassas, VA, USA
N8129M
PIPER PA-28-181
On November 18, 2022, about 0745 eastern standard time, a Piper PA28-181, N8129M was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Manassas Regional Airport/Harry P. Davis Field (HEF), Manassas, Virginia. The flight instructor and a student pilot were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight instructor reported that he attempted to start the engine multiple times unsuccessfully. During the third attempt, white smoke emanated from the engine compartment. The flight instructor exited the airplane to investigate and attempted to suppress the smoke with an extinguisher but was unsuccessful. The student pilot exited the airplane as the smoke continued to increase followed quickly by a fire. According to airport security footage, 5 minutes elapsed from the first visible smoke to the “roaring flame.” The fire engulfed the front half of the airplane before being suppressed. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the wreckage. The fire consumed the engine compartment and entire cockpit and cabin. There was additional thermal damage to the wings. Additional examination revealed evidence consistent with electrical arcing on two sections of generator wire. The airplane was recovered for further examination.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
