# NTSB ATL91LA009: Piper PA-22-150, N6142D, Summerville, SC, October 26, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 26, 1990, 15:20 local (19:20 UTC)
- Place: Summerville, SC
- Coordinates: 33.049926, -80.190773 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0499&lon=-80.1908&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 12, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8352
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL91LA009
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8352/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA009

## Probable cause

AN ERODED EXHAUST STACK WHICH ALLOWED HOT GASES TO IMPINGE UPON THE FIREWALL, AND IGNITE CABIN INSULATION.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Fire, takeoff - initial climb
  - exhaust system,stack - eroded (cause)

## Analysis

DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKE OFF SMOKE ENTERED THE CABIN UNDER THE CONTROL PANEL. BEFORE THE AIRPLANE COULD BE RETURNED TO THE RUNWAY, FLAMES WERE VISIBLE AT THE PASSENGERS FEET. AFTER LANDING ON THE OPPOSITE RUNWAY IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT EXHAUST GASES HAD IMPINGED ON THE FIREWALL. THE HEAT HAD IGNITED CABIN INSULATION. AN FAA INSPECTOR FOUND THAT THE EXHAUST STACK INSIDE THE CARBURETOR MUFF HAD SEPARATED. EXHAUST GAS HAD BEEN DIRECTED AGAINST THE FIREWALL. THE A/C WS LAST INSPECTED 11 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM HAD NEVER BEEN REPLACED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6142D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6142D), registered now, S/N 22-4786, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-4786
- Airframe hours: 1944
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ziebell, Grant G.
- Last inspection: Annual, November 4, 1989, 67 hours before
- Airport: Jetburg Private, runway 3, 2,800 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 59 total, 4 in this make and model, 36 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CHS, 10 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19901026048919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901026048919A), Oct 26, 1990: Piper PA22150, Summerville, SC, Substantial damage. Fire under panel on climbout and smoke. CFI took over. Landed safely. Exaust pipe in heater broke. Heated firewall.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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