Engine Fire In Flight
An engine fire in flight is a life-threatening emergency. Goal: extinguish/starve the fire AND land as fast as possible.
Source: POH (binding), FAA-H-8083-3B Chapter 17.
Symptoms
- Smoke or flames from cowling or sides.
- Sudden RPM drop with power loss.
- Acrid smell in the cabin.
- Increased oil temperature, possibly pressure drop.
- Abnormal vibration.
Standard procedure (POH-specific, typical Cessna 172)
- Mixture IDLE CUT-OFF.
- Fuel selector OFF.
- Master switch OFF (or AFTER Mayday call, if time).
- Magnetos OFF.
- Cabin heat / vents OFF (prevents smoke ingress into cabin).
- Best glide speed (Vbg) — see POH (C172: about 65 KIAS).
- Select emergency field and head for it — land immediately, do not try to return to the airfield unless very close.
- Mayday call (see Subject 090): "Mayday Mayday Mayday, [callsign], engine fire, [position], [intentions]."
- Squawk 7700 on transponder.
- Unlatch doors before touchdown (crash risk if jammed shut → trapped).
- Force-land with gliding approach.
What not to do
- Do not restart — fresh fuel feeds the fire.
- Do not return to airfield if a closer landing option exists.
- Do not descend into clouds — VFR priority.
Glide performance — Cessna 172 (example)
- Vbg = 65 KIAS (best glide).
- Glide ratio about 9 at MSL, flaps up.
- → from 5000 ft AGL: about 8 NM glide range (less or more with wind).
Field selection (short notice)
6 S's (classic mnemonic):
- Size: long enough?
- Slope: not too steep?
- Surface: hard/soft, smooth?
- Surroundings: obstacles?
- Sun: glare on approach?
- Spectators: people on the ground?
Passenger brief before approach
- Crash position: head down, arms over head, legs braced.
- Doors unlatched before touchdown.
- Quick release after stop.
- Assembly at safe spot, away from aircraft.