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NTSB Report
September 6, 1987 · Piper PA-28-235 · N9287W
Indianapolis, IN
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 6, 1987
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 3 uninjured
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-235
Tail Number
N9287W
Operator
Progressive Flying Club
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI87LA204
THE ACFT WAS ON THE THIRD TKOF OF THE DAY WHEN THE ENG STOPPED ON INITIAL CLIMB AT THE PILOTS ESTIMATED ALT OF 500 FT. HE DID A 180 TURN BACK TO THE ARPT BUT TOUCHED DOWN SHORT AND RAN THROUGH THE PERIMETER FENCE. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT THE MUFFLER CONTAINED A SEVEN INCH CRACK, SIX INCHES OF WHICH WERE FOUND RUSTED WITH ROUNDED ERODED EDGES. THE MUFFLER SHROUD HAD A CORRESPONDING HOLE 6.7 INCHES LONG AND APPROXIMATELY ONE INCH WIDE. MELTED METAL WAS FOUND ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE SHROUD AND A FUEL PRESSURE LINE, LOCATED IN THE AREA OF THE CRACKED MUFFLER, WAS FOUND BURNED. FAA INSPECTORS INDICATED THAT THE CARBURETOR ALTERNATE AIR INTAKE AND THE INSIDE OF THE CARBURETOR THROAT INDICATED THAT THERE WAS AN INFLIGHT FIRE.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT WAS ON THE THIRD TKOF OF THE DAY WHEN THE ENG STOPPED ON INITIAL CLIMB AT THE PILOTS ESTIMATED ALT OF 500 FT. HE DID A 180 TURN BACK TO THE ARPT BUT TOUCHED DOWN SHORT AND RAN THROUGH THE PERIMETER FENCE. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT THE MUFFLER CONTAINED A SEVEN INCH CRACK, SIX INCHES OF WHICH WERE FOUND RUSTED WITH ROUNDED ERODED EDGES. THE MUFFLER SHROUD HAD A CORRESPONDING HOLE 6.7 INCHES LONG AND APPROXIMATELY ONE INCH WIDE. MELTED METAL WAS FOUND ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE SHROUD AND A FUEL PRESSURE LINE, LOCATED IN THE AREA OF THE CRACKED MUFFLER, WAS FOUND BURNED. FAA INSPECTORS INDICATED THAT THE CARBURETOR ALTERNATE AIR INTAKE AND THE INSIDE OF THE CARBURETOR THROAT INDICATED THAT THERE WAS AN INFLIGHT FIRE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:12 EDT
Nearest AirportIndianapolis Int. (0nm N)
Runway13
Runway Length7600 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireIflt
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-235
Tail NumberN9287W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorProgressive Flying Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-B4B5 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 3 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured3
Total4
Crew 1Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:17
Weather SourceWFAC