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NTSB Report
May 20, 1989 · Piper PA-24-250 · N5874P
Decatur, TX
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 20, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Decatur, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-24-250
Tail Number
N5874P
Operator
Frazier David R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW89LA097
THE PILOT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM HEATER MUFF FAILED, RESULTING IN EXTREME HEAT AND SMOKE UNDER THE COWLING, AND LOTS OF SMOKE IN THE CABIN. NEXT CAME A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, AND THE PILOT WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE AIRPLANE ALIGNED WITH THE RUNWAY FOR THE FORCED LANDING. AFTER THE HARD LANDING, THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED. THE MOST RECENT ANNUAL INSPECTION WAS CONDUCTED 10 OPERATING HOUSE BEFORE THE ACDT.
NTSB Probable Cause
INADEQUATE INSPECTION OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM BY THE MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL DURING THE LATEST ANNUAL INSPECTION.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM HEATER MUFF FAILED, RESULTING IN EXTREME HEAT AND SMOKE UNDER THE COWLING, AND LOTS OF SMOKE IN THE CABIN. NEXT CAME A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, AND THE PILOT WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE AIRPLANE ALIGNED WITH THE RUNWAY FOR THE FORCED LANDING. AFTER THE HARD LANDING, THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED. THE MOST RECENT ANNUAL INSPECTION WAS CONDUCTED 10 OPERATING HOUSE BEFORE THE ACDT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 CDT
Nearest AirportDecatur Municipal (0nm N)
Runway17
Runway Length2550 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-24-250
Tail NumberN5874P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFrazier David R
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-A1A5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 38 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 10 kt, gusting 12 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO