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NTSB Report
October 16, 1987 · Piper PA-32-260 · N3903W
Houston, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 16, 1987
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Houston, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N3903W
Operator
Donald J Laine Jr
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW88FA007
THE ACFT DEVELOPED A FIRE IN THE ENG AREA DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF. WHEN THE ENG LOST POWER THE PLT ATTEMPTED A LNDG IN A SMALL PARK. THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN JUST SHORT OF A DRAINAGE DITCH AND COLLIDED WITH THE SLOPING EMBANKMENT ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE DITCH. POST ACC INSPECTION REVEALED A FAILED EXHAUST SYSTEM WHICH ALLOWED HOT EXHAUST GASES TO START A FIRE. THE EXHAUST PIPE FAILED FROM EXTENSIVE CORROSION.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT DEVELOPED A FIRE IN THE ENG AREA DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF. WHEN THE ENG LOST POWER THE PLT ATTEMPTED A LNDG IN A SMALL PARK. THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN JUST SHORT OF A DRAINAGE DITCH AND COLLIDED WITH THE SLOPING EMBANKMENT ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE DITCH. POST ACC INSPECTION REVEALED A FAILED EXHAUST SYSTEM WHICH ALLOWED HOT EXHAUST GASES TO START A FIRE. THE EXHAUST PIPE FAILED FROM EXTENSIVE CORROSION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:45 CDT
Nearest AirportANDRAU (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireIflt
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN3903W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorDonald J Laine Jr
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 3 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 63 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time12:52
Weather SourceWFAC