Preventing In-Flight Fires

While there are differing statistics regarding causes of aircraft fire-related accidents, it is safe to say that aircraft maintenance and pre-flight actions by the pilot play a significant role in most such events. And since the chances of surviving an in-flight fire without major injury or death are poor, preventing a fire from occurring in the first place should be Job One. Pilots can memorize procedures, talk about scenarios and what-ifs, but when it is all said and done, avoiding one starts on the ground.

Editorial Staff

Thursday, September 15, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

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New supersonic aircraft such as Boom Supersonic’s Overture will be tested under the FAA’s just-released rules. Boom Supersonic

Key Takeaways:

Preventing in-flight aircraft fires is paramount, emphasizing that thorough pre-flight inspections are the primary defense against potential hazards.
Pilots must meticulously inspect key areas like fuel systems (for leaks/odor), electrical systems (for frayed wiring/loose connections), and exhaust systems (for cracks/security) before each flight.
Aging general aviation aircraft present increased fire risks due to older design standards, material degradation, and potential deferred maintenance, making diligent upkeep and material upgrades crucial.
Beyond physical checks, maintaining good housekeeping, adhering to recommended maintenance schedules, and considering emergency equipment like fire extinguishers contribute significantly to fire safety.

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Of course, fires require three key ingredients: heat or an ignition source, fuel or material that will burn, and oxygen (air). It so happens aircraft are operated hundreds of hours with these three key ingredients in close proximity. Thankfully, and due to careful design and maintenance practices, fires rarely occur. But seemingly minor details can be overlooked and introduce a chain of events that can cause an in-flight fire.