Re: Delorean fire

[rbrogren@xxxx]

In a message dated 12/11/00 10:47:41 AM Central Standard Time, Wayne writes:


> I'm wondering if a non-blowing fuse continued to allow a short to glow red 
> hot until the surrounding area ignited or if a split second spark threw a 
> red 
> hot ember that smouldered then ignited. The reason I ask... if the first 
> supposition is correct, then immediately pulling over and killing the 
> battery 
> power could possibly stop a fire from breaking out. Anyone else have 
> thoughts on this? 
> 
> 
For what it is worth: Most modern General Aviation airplanes have resettable 
cirquit breakers, but most pre-80's have fuses. In ALL G/A airplanes the 
standard drill in case of a suspected electrical fires is to IMMEDIATELY 
turn the master switch off. (This does not effect the engine since the 
ignition, etc., are generated by magnetos, two per engine.) Since you can not 
just pull over and park an airplane, the procedure is then to pull all 
breakers or fuses and wait to see if the smoking stops. Including a douse 
with a fire extinguisher if necessary. Then turn the master switch on again, 
wait to see if the fire flares up again and if not, reset the fuses/breakers 
that are absolutely necessary for landing, one at a time, and land the 
airplane ASAP. A fire extinguisher in the cockpit is mandatory.

Yes, it is possible that a fire could be snipped in the bud IF power is 
disconnected very quickly. 
Engine fire in an airplane on the ground and a car is an entirely different 
matter, but even there a quick dousing with en extinguisher may save the 
vehicle. 
A fire close to the gas tank? Run like your life depended on it! It does!

Roger


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