The Pilot May Not Have Handled His Flares Properly

[pelmet]

From TSB...

C-GIFO, a privately registered Cessna 150M, was conducting a round-robin solo recreational flight
from the Smithers Airport (CYYD), BC, to a number of aerodromes which included Woodcock
Aerodrome (CBQ8), BC. Just after the touchdown of a touch and go at CBQ8, the pilot smelled
smoke. Shortly after, as C-GIFO lifted off, the aircraft cabin started to rapidly fill with smoke. The
pilot set the aircraft back down on the runway and braked hard. The aircraft came a stop on the
right side of the runway. The pilot then turned off the aircraft’s master switch, moved the engine
mixture control to cutoff, and switched off the ignition. After evacuating the aircraft, the pilot
attempted to access the aircraft’s fire extinguisher but was unable to because it was underneath
the cargo and smoke was quickly filling the cabin. Within two minutes, the aircraft was engulfed in
flames. The flames were reported to be coming from the cargo area where the pilot had stored
containers with approximately 34 liters of 100LL Avgas. The fuel was intended to be used to refuel
the aircraft during the planned trip. The cargo area also contained a plastic survival kit bag which
contained emergency flares. Emergency services attended the scene but by the time of their arrival
most of the aircraft had been destroyed by the fire.