Down In A Blaze Of Unglory - 914s on FIRE!, It can be pretty common, unfortunately. What causes the 914 to catch fire so easily, how to prevent it from happening and what to do if it does happen Options

[tumamilhem]

Has this ever happened to you?





Video of car on fire: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151125433882341


This is an unfortunate, serious reality and real danger for us 914 owners that tragically happens all too often. But why and how can it be prevented?

I'd like to propose three talking points that could help educate other 914 owners to make necessary precautions to preserve their cars - and their lives:


1. What causes fires in the 914 and why are they so common?

2. What precautions may be done to prevent a 914 from catching fire?

3. If your 914 does catch fire, should you try to put it out or should you stay away in case of an explosion?

[76-914]

I'll add one, albeit in "left field". Static discharge. Something I learned when flying experimental. Ordinarily this is not a concern as we usually pump from metal nozzles that are grounded. But I'll bet I have had the tanks in & out of my 914's a dozen times. When I drain my tank I actually siphon the gas into a DOT gas can then pour it back in the tank when finished. Sound familiar? Then your playing with fire my friend. I know of 2 planes that burned to the ground being re-fueled this way. Best chance of this happening is where one lives in an arid climate.( or a just a low humidity day where you live). Couple that with a plastic gas can sliding across your pick up bed, rubbing against your jeans or wool shirt and you've got a ticking time bomb. As soon as that spout gets near the metal filler neck (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blowup.gif) . It only takes a second to discharge any static buildup. Before lifting the can off the floor pour a bit of water on the side of the can. When the water comes in contact with the ground and gas can it is grounded and discharged. Easier than attaching a damned ground cable. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) I know I'm reaching but if this saves one teener, so be it.