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NTSB Report
November 6, 1983 · Piper 601P · N9774Q
Helendale, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 6, 1983
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (6 uninjured)
Location
Helendale, CA
Aircraft
Piper 601P
Tail Number
N9774Q
Operator
Paul M Guyer
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX84FA049
THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING CRUISE FLIGHT THE RIGHT ENGINE MANIFOLD PRESSURE FELL TO ZERO. THE ENGINE WAS FEATHERED AND SET UP FOR SINGLE ENGINE PERFORMANCE BUT THE ACFT CONTINUED TO DESCEND. SUITABLE AIRPORTS WERE FLOWN OVER DURING THE DESCENT AND THE ACFT FINALLY LANDED IN AN ALFALFA FIELD. EXAMIATION OF THE RIGHT ENGINE REVEALED SEVERE FIRE DAMAGE TO THE IGNITION WIRING HARNESS AND BOTH MAGNETO 'P' LEADS SHORTED. AN OIL VENT HOSE ROUTED ON THE OUTBOARD SIDE OF THE INBOARD TURBOCHARGER ALSO DISPLAYED SEVERE HEAT DAMAGE. THE OUTER LAYER OF A HEAT SHIELD ATTACHED TO THE TURBOCHARGER WAS FOUND TORN OPEN AND THE HEAT RESISTANT MATERIAL WAS PUSHED ASIDE OR MISSING FROM AN AREA APPROX ONE INCH SQUARE. THERIGHT ENGINE AND OVERHAULED TURBOCHARGERS HAD BEEN INSTALLED APPROX 9 HOURS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT ACCORDING TO THE HOBBS METER.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING CRUISE FLIGHT THE RIGHT ENGINE MANIFOLD PRESSURE FELL TO ZERO. THE ENGINE WAS FEATHERED AND SET UP FOR SINGLE ENGINE PERFORMANCE BUT THE ACFT CONTINUED TO DESCEND. SUITABLE AIRPORTS WERE FLOWN OVER DURING THE DESCENT AND THE ACFT FINALLY LANDED IN AN ALFALFA FIELD. EXAMIATION OF THE RIGHT ENGINE REVEALED SEVERE FIRE DAMAGE TO THE IGNITION WIRING HARNESS AND BOTH MAGNETO 'P' LEADS SHORTED. AN OIL VENT HOSE ROUTED ON THE OUTBOARD SIDE OF THE INBOARD TURBOCHARGER ALSO DISPLAYED SEVERE HEAT DAMAGE. THE OUTER LAYER OF A HEAT SHIELD ATTACHED TO THE TURBOCHARGER WAS FOUND TORN OPEN AND THE HEAT RESISTANT MATERIAL WAS PUSHED ASIDE OR MISSING FROM AN AREA APPROX ONE INCH SQUARE. THERIGHT ENGINE AND OVERHAULED TURBOCHARGERS HAD BEEN INSTALLED APPROX 9 HOURS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT ACCORDING TO THE HOBBS METER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:50 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper 601P
Tail NumberN9774Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPaul M Guyer
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-51A5 · Reciprocating · 290
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (6 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured6
Total6
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT