When the fire is on the ground under the engine overboard drain, where should CO2 be discharged?

When the fire is on the ground under the engine overboard drain, where should CO2 be discharged?

• A. In the cockpit.
• B. Into the exhaust.
• C. On the ground rather than on the engine.
• D. In the engine inlet.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is to position the extinguishing agent where it can actually smother the flame without contaminating or obstructing the engine itself. When the fire is on the ground under the engine overboard drain, discharging CO2 onto the ground around the base of the flame creates a blanket of gas that displaces oxygen and cools the fuel at its source. This approach keeps the CO2 out of the engine’s ducts and moving parts, reducing the risk of blowing the gas into the engine intake or forcing it into the exhaust areas, which would be ineffective and could cause problems for the engine and maintenance later on. Directing CO2 into the engine inlet or into the exhaust can lead to poor fire control and potential damage or complications, and spraying into the cockpit would endanger personnel without addressing the fire. So the safest, most effective action is to release CO2 on the ground where it can blanket and suppress the fire at its base.

The key idea is to position the extinguishing agent where it can actually smother the flame without contaminating or obstructing the engine itself. When the fire is on the ground under the engine overboard drain, discharging CO2 onto the ground around the base of the flame creates a blanket of gas that displaces oxygen and cools the fuel at its source. This approach keeps the CO2 out of the engine’s ducts and moving parts, reducing the risk of blowing the gas into the engine intake or forcing it into the exhaust areas, which would be ineffective and could cause problems for the engine and maintenance later on.

Directing CO2 into the engine inlet or into the exhaust can lead to poor fire control and potential damage or complications, and spraying into the cockpit would endanger personnel without addressing the fire. So the safest, most effective action is to release CO2 on the ground where it can blanket and suppress the fire at its base.