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Lesson 12.2 – In-Flight Fires and Electrical Problems
In-flight fires and serious electrical problems are rare but extremely serious. Rapid, correct action is required. Always follow the emergency procedures in your specific aircraft’s Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH).
Reference
Airplane Flying Handbook
Aircraft Flight Manual / POH emergency section
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
Engine Fire in Flight
Engine Fire in Flight
Typical immediate actions (confirm with your POH):
Mixture – idle cutoff
Fuel selector – off
Magnetos / ignition – off
Cabin heat and air – off (to keep smoke/fire out of the cabin)
Airspeed – increase if necessary to extinguish the fire
Prepare for a forced landing
Once the fire is out, do not attempt to restart the engine. Land as soon as possible.
Electrical Fire / Smoke in the Cockpit
Electrical Fire / Smoke in the Cockpit
Typical immediate actions:
Master switch – off
All electrical switches / avionics – off
Cabin air / vents – closed if smoke is entering (or as directed by POH)
Fire extinguisher – use if available and necessary
When the fire is out, restore only the electrical equipment that is essential for safe flight (if the POH allows)
Land as soon as practicable
Cabin Fire
Cabin Fire
Use the fire extinguisher if available.
Close vents and cabin air if they are feeding the fire.
Land as soon as possible.
Electrical System Failures (No Fire)
Electrical System Failures (No Fire)
Loss of alternator/generator usually leads to gradual battery discharge.
Reduce electrical load to essential items only.
Plan to land before the battery is depleted.
Know which systems will be lost when the battery dies (radios, flaps, lights, etc.).
Key Principles
Key Principles
Aviate first — maintain control of the airplane.
Follow the POH emergency checklist for your specific aircraft.
Declare an emergency (squawk 7700 and communicate) as soon as workload permits.
Land as soon as possible when a fire is involved.
Key Points
Key Points
Engine fire: fuel off, mixture idle cutoff, ignition off, land immediately.
Electrical fire: master switch off, isolate the source, use extinguisher if needed.
Electrical failure: reduce load and land before the battery is depleted.
Always refer to the specific procedures in your aircraft’s POH.
Practice these procedures on the ground so your responses become automatic.
Links:
Intro to Aviation & Airplanes
Airfoils, Lift & Angle of Attack
Stalls, Critical Angle of Attack & Spin Awareness
Primary Flight Controls & the Three Axis
Stability, Controllability & Adverse Yaw
Engine Instruments & System Monitoring
Pilot Certification & Privileges
Medical Certificates & BasicMed
Flight Rules (Part 91 Highlights)
Airport Marking, Signs, & Lighting
Traffic Patterns & Airport Operations
Special Use Airspace & Other Airspace Areas
Airport Facility Directory & Chart Reading
The Atmosphere & Atmospheric Pressure
Airmasses, Fronts & Weather Patterns
Thunderstorms, Turbulence, Icing & Other Hazards
Weather Reports, Forecasts & Charts
Common Weak Areas & How to Fix Them
Private Pilot Privileges & Limitations
Lesson 11.2
Currency Requirements
Medical Certification & Basic Med After the Check ride
Continuing Education & Proficiency
Engine Failure & Forced Landings
In-Flight Fires & Electrical Problems
System and Instrument Failures
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