Definition
A fire that originates and burns within the engine compartment of an airplane, typically forward of the firewall, caused by ignition of fuel, oil, or hydraulic fluid that has leaked onto hot engine surfaces or been ignited by an electrical fault. It is distinct from an induction fire (which burns inside the intake system) and an exhaust fire (which burns in the exhaust manifold or tailpipe).
Plain English
A fire burning inside the area of the airplane that houses the engine, usually started by leaked fuel or oil hitting hot metal, or by an electrical short.
Context Anchor
Encountered in emergency procedures for engine fires, especially during engine start, takeoff, climb, or flight when smoke, flames, heat, or unusual engine behavior is noticed.
Why Pilots Care
Engine compartment fires can damage control systems, spread to the fuselage, or cause loss of engine power, requiring immediate shutdown and possible use of onboard extinguishers.
Grounding Statement
Picture fuel or oil reaching a very hot part inside the engine area; that is the kind of situation an engine compartment fire refers to.
Intuition Check
Do not assume an engine compartment fire means the whole airplane is on fire. It specifically means the fire is in the engine area, though it can become a wider emergency if not handled quickly.
Example Sentence 1
After noticing smoke from under the cowling during runup, the pilot recognized a possible engine compartment fire and shut down the engine immediately.
Example Sentence 2
After landing with an engine compartment fire indication, the crew performed the shutdown checklist before exiting the aircraft.