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NTSB Report
February 3, 1987 · Piper PA-22-135 · N3554A
Floresville, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 3, 1987
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Floresville, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-135
Tail Number
N3554A
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW87FA054
THE PILOT HEARD A SUDDEN CHANGE IN ENGINE SOUNDS DURING FLIGHT AND REALIZED HIS MUFFLER HAD FAILED. HE WAS FLYING ABOUT 1000 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL AND INITIATED A DESCENT TO 250 FEET. HEAT AND FLAMES STARTED ENTERING THE COCKPIT THROUGH THE CABIN HEAT INLET DUCT. HE THEN MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A SOFT SANDY PASTURE ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. THE NOSE GEAR STRUT SEPARATED JUST ABOVE THE WHEEL AND THE AIRCRAFT FLIPPED INVERTED. IT WAS QUICKLY CONSUMED BY FIRE. THE PILOT AND PASSENGER ESCAPED WITH SERIOUS AND MINOR BURN INJURIES RESPECTIVELY.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT HEARD A SUDDEN CHANGE IN ENGINE SOUNDS DURING FLIGHT AND REALIZED HIS MUFFLER HAD FAILED. HE WAS FLYING ABOUT 1000 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL AND INITIATED A DESCENT TO 250 FEET. HEAT AND FLAMES STARTED ENTERING THE COCKPIT THROUGH THE CABIN HEAT INLET DUCT. HE THEN MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A SOFT SANDY PASTURE ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. THE NOSE GEAR STRUT SEPARATED JUST ABOVE THE WHEEL AND THE AIRCRAFT FLIPPED INVERTED. IT WAS QUICKLY CONSUMED BY FIRE. THE PILOT AND PASSENGER ESCAPED WITH SERIOUS AND MINOR BURN INJURIES RESPECTIVELY.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 CST
Nearest Airport4nm NW
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireBoth
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-22-135
Tail NumberN3554A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290-D2 · Reciprocating · 135
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 37 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 46
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:51
Weather SourceWFAC