# NTSB CHI86LA185: Piper PA-32R-301T, N81753, Morris, IL, July 29, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 29, 1986, 12:18 local (17:18 UTC)
- Place: Morris, IL
- Location: 41.3802° N, 88.4243° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Morris, IL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.3802&lon=-88.4243&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13496
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86LA185
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13496/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA185

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - exhaust system,clamp - other (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - exhaust system,manifold/pipe - brittle fracture (cause)
  - exhaust system,manifold/pipe - leak (cause)
- Fire, cruise - normal
  - ignition system,high tension wiring - burned
  - ignition system,high tension wiring - shorted
- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, cruise
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING CRUISE FLIGHT, THE ENGINE STOPPED AND THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO GLIDE TO AN AIRPORT, BUT WAS FORCED TO LAND IN A CORNFIELD, APRX ONE MILE SHORT OF THE AIRFIELD. A POST-CRASH INSPECTION REVEALED THE FLANGE OF THE LEFT INTERMEDIATE EXHAUST PIPE (PN LW-15811) HAD CRACKED AND BECOME LOOSE. THIS ALLOWED HOT GASSES TO MELT AND SHORT OUT WIRING TO BOTH MAGNETOS. THERE WAS EVIDENCE THAT AN EXHAUST CLAMP (PN LW-12093-5) WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE EXHAUST FLANGE FAILED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N81753 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-301T (PA-32R-301)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-8029707
- Airframe hours: 879
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-S1AD 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Intex Mgt. Co. Ltd.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 5, 1985, 90 hours before
- Departed: SGF, SPRINGFIELD, MO
- Destination: MDW, CHICAGO, IL
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 536 total, 191 in this make and model, 419 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DPA, 15 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 19860729070729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860729070729A), Jul 29, 1986: Piper PA32R301T, Morris, IL, Substantial damage. The engine failed due to fire. The exhaust pipe cracked due to an improperly secured clamp and burned magneto wires

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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