Scene, GQNN, two years ago.
L1011 on the parking stand, ready to start engines, but no APU, so external pneumatic air and electrics are used.
So far, so good.
Captain attempts to start the number three engine.
It winds up OK, but after starter cutout, runs down...reason unknown.
Captain does not close the HP fuel and ignition switch.
Tailpipe fire ensues.
Tailpipe fire drill not carried out...reason unknown.
Fire gets bigger...a lot bigger.
Ground Engineer, who is by the R2 door, notices the fire and races to the down galley, jumps out of the galley service door, and uses a large Halon extinguisher on fire...meanwhile, another ground engineer goes to the FD and suggests to the Captain that if he does not want the right hand wing to burn off, he had better damn well switch OFF the fuel and ignition switch.
Captain does so, just as the airport fires services arrive.
No outward damage is observed, and after a detailed engine/airplane inspection, the aircraft is dispatched to destination.
Said Captain has now retired to (I think) Spain, and it is just as well, as clearly proper tailpipe fire procedures were not followed, which is not at all satisfactory.
Gotta know the proper drills folks, otherwise big trouble can develop, darn quick.