Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 28-180 near Quincy, CA — 2014-06-15

Final reportWPR14LA249
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Date
2014-06-15
Location
Quincy, CA, USA
Airport
2O1
Aircraft
PIPER PA 28-180
Registration
N4931L
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to the separation of the exhaust baffling, which resulted in a partial blockage of airflow to the engine. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the exhaust system during the airplane’s most recent maintenance.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff, the airplane would not climb; therefore, he chose to make a precautionary landing onto a nearby field. During the final approach, the stabilator impacted a fence post, and the pilot subsequently landed the airplane uneventfully. During a postaccident examination of the exhaust system, the baffles within the muffler assembly were found partially separated and blocking the exhaust ducts, which would have restricted the airflow in the ducts and resulted in a loss of engine power when the airplane reached a higher engine rpm setting during takeoff. No additional mechanical anomalies were observed that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane manufacturer's service manual states, in part, "a very thorough inspection of the entire exhaust system, including the…muffler and muffler baffles, stacks, and all exhaust connections and welds must be accomplished at each 100-hour inspection. The possibility of exhaust system failure increases with use." The airplane's most recent annual inspection, which should have included the items from the 100-hour inspection, occurred about 3 flight hours before the accident. Maintenance records indicated that maintenance personnel inspected the exterior of the muffler system; however, the records did not indicate that maintenance personnel performed the airplane manufacturer-recommended exhaust system inspection.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Perform thorough inspection of the exhaust system as recommended by Piper.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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