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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

October 26, 1990 · Piper PA-22-150 · N6142D

Summerville, SC

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 26, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Summerville, SC
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-150
Tail Number
N6142D
Operator
Ziebell Grant G
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL91LA009

DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKE OFF SMOKE ENTERED THE CABIN UNDER THE CONTROL PANEL. BEFORE THE AIRPLANE COULD BE RETURNED TO THE RUNWAY, FLAMES WERE VISIBLE AT THE PASSENGERS FEET. AFTER LANDING ON THE OPPOSITE RUNWAY IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT EXHAUST GASES HAD IMPINGED ON THE FIREWALL. THE HEAT HAD IGNITED CABIN INSULATION. AN FAA INSPECTOR FOUND THAT THE EXHAUST STACK INSIDE THE CARBURETOR MUFF HAD SEPARATED. EXHAUST GAS HAD BEEN DIRECTED AGAINST THE FIREWALL. THE A/C WS LAST INSPECTED 11 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM HAD NEVER BEEN REPLACED.

NTSB Probable Cause

AN ERODED EXHAUST STACK WHICH ALLOWED HOT GASES TO IMPINGE UPON THE FIREWALL, AND IGNITE CABIN INSULATION.

Full Narrative

DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKE OFF SMOKE ENTERED THE CABIN UNDER THE CONTROL PANEL. BEFORE THE AIRPLANE COULD BE RETURNED TO THE RUNWAY, FLAMES WERE VISIBLE AT THE PASSENGERS FEET. AFTER LANDING ON THE OPPOSITE RUNWAY IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT EXHAUST GASES HAD IMPINGED ON THE FIREWALL. THE HEAT HAD IGNITED CABIN INSULATION. AN FAA INSPECTOR FOUND THAT THE EXHAUST STACK INSIDE THE CARBURETOR MUFF HAD SEPARATED. EXHAUST GAS HAD BEEN DIRECTED AGAINST THE FIREWALL. THE A/C WS LAST INSPECTED 11 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM HAD NEVER BEEN REPLACED.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:20 EDT
Nearest AirportJetburg Private (0nm N)
Runway3
Runway Length2800 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireIflt
Aircraft ExplosionIflt

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-22-150
Tail NumberN6142D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorZiebell Grant G
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 41 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 10 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:50
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data