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NTSB Report
July 16, 1989 · Piper PA-32-300 · N999MA
Luquillo, PR
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 16, 1989
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Luquillo, PR
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-300
Tail Number
N999MA
Operator
Smith Vincent
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA89LA200
THE PLT RPRTD THAT DRG FLT OVER THE OCEAN, HE SMELLED AN ODOR OF SOMETHING BURNING. SHORTLY AFTERWARD, THE ENG LOST POWER. THE PLT WAS ABLE TO GLIDE THE ACFT TO ABOUT 1/2 MI FROM SHORE, THEN HE DITCHED IT IN THE OCEAN. LATER, THE ACFT WAS RECOVERED. AN EXAM REVEALED THE LEFT EXHAUST STACK HAD FAILED & THE ESCAPING EXHAUST GASES HAD RESULTED IN AN ENG COMPARTMENT FIRE.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE OF THE LEFT EXHAUST STACK WHICH RESULTED IN AN ENGINE FIRE, LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, AND SUBSEQUENT DITCHING OF THE ACFT IN OCEAN WATERS.
Full Narrative
THE PLT RPRTD THAT DRG FLT OVER THE OCEAN, HE SMELLED AN ODOR OF SOMETHING BURNING. SHORTLY AFTERWARD, THE ENG LOST POWER. THE PLT WAS ABLE TO GLIDE THE ACFT TO ABOUT 1/2 MI FROM SHORE, THEN HE DITCHED IT IN THE OCEAN. LATER, THE ACFT WAS RECOVERED. AN EXAM REVEALED THE LEFT EXHAUST STACK HAD FAILED & THE ESCAPING EXHAUST GASES HAD RESULTED IN AN ENG COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:12 AST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireIflt
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32-300
Tail NumberN999MA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSmith Vincent
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1A5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time10:52
Weather SourceWFAC