# NTSB CHI85LA363: Callair A-9, N8273H, Hollandale, MN, August 30, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 30, 1985, 16:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Hollandale, MN
- Coordinates: 43.749652, -93.200653 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.7497&lon=-93.2007&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13202
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA363
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13202/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA363

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering - aerial application
  - exhaust system,clamp - failure,total (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,replacement - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Fire, descent - emergency
  - exhaust system - overtemperature (contributing factor)
  - fluid,fuel grade - improper

## Analysis

DURING A MANEUVERING TURN WHILE CROP DUSTING THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A MUFFLER FAILURE AND ENGINE FIRE. HE LANDED SUCCESSFULLY AND ABANDONED THE AIRCRAFT. SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE MUFFLER/ EXHAUST PIPE TO THE AIRCRAFT HAD BROKEN. HOT EXHAUST GAS SUBSEQUENTLY STARTED A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. MUFFLER SHROUD BOLTS AND NUTS WERE MISSING FROM AT SIDE OF ENG COMARTMENT. ALSO THE ACFT WAS IMPROPERLY FUELED WITH AUTO GASOLINE. THE CALLAIR A-9 DOES NOT HOLD AN STC FORGASOLINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8273H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8273H-2014-11-19), registration cancelled 2014-11-19, S/N 1146, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CALLAIR A-9
- Registry model: [Callair A-9](https://openairdocs.org/model/callair-a-9) (registry code 1850120) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1146
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540 SERIES 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Leslie C. Boler
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 25, 1985, 912 hours before
- Departed: RLA, HOLLANDALE, MN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 11,000 total, 1,100 in this make and model, 11,000 as pilot in command, 80 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19850830042409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850830042409A), Aug 30, 1985: Airpts A9, Hollandale, MN, Substantial damage. Engine fire during spray turn. Landed in field. Muffler separated when bracket broke. No STC for auto gas.

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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