Reciprocating Engines In-flight Fire Wildcountry Airways Ltd. De Havilland DHC-3 Otter C-FMEL 16 - Assignment Example

The case under study was inclined towards a float-equipped DHC-3 (Otter). It had departed Ontario with six passengers and the pilot on board. At an approximate height of 2500 ft. above the sea level, the pilot managed to level the aircraft, hence configuring it for the cruise flight. Within a short period of time after such a level-off, he heard a form of popping sound and a notable loss of the engine power, while the whitish-grey smoke penetrated into the cabin (Sawyer, 1971). All the aircraft instruments showed normal engine operations.

On the other hand, the fire warning unit failed to activate. The pilot thus assumed that the air-craft’s engine had been marred with a cylinder failure. The passenger who was seated in the front crew reported flames that were emerging from the right corner of the entire cockpit. The pilot hence tried to radio the Flight Service Station in order to seek for advice. Thick smoke bulged into the ultimate cabin thereby causing the respiratory distress and restricting visibility. The pilot then opened the left door so as to get a proper visual view and he luckily managed to land the aircraft while it was still on fire.

It landed harder but lingered upright on floats. The passengers left through the main door with the life jackets on. The entire aircraft was hence consumed by the fire within almost immediately after landing. Being the last person to get out, the pilot suffered the second degree burns while the other passengers escaped with various injuries. This scenario hence called for an in-depth analysis and research of what might have caused such a fire outbreak. All the findings were regarded to have been linked to the reciprocating engine.

The reciprocating-engine powered transport aircraft offers essential public transport networks in most parts of the world. The only mishap as per the ATSB reports and