# NTSB LAX91LA374: Piper PA32R, N9222K, San Diego, CA, August 27, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 27, 1991, 14:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: San Diego, CA
- Coordinates: 32.710487, -117.159561 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.7105&lon=-117.1596&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27342
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA374
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27342/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA374

## Probable cause

THE PILOT OPERATING THE AIRCRAFT WITH A KNOWN ENGINE DISCREPANCY THAT WOULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO LOSE POWER DUE TO RESTRICTION TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - exhaust system,muffler - failure,total (contributing factor)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in aircraft's ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - safety advisory - not followed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH THE AIRPORT PERIMETER FENCE AFTER THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF.  THE PILOT WAS FERRYING THE AIRCRAFT WITHOUT A PERMIT TO ANOTHER AIRFIELD TO FIX A KNOWN ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEM DISCREPANCY.  A MAINTENANCE PERSON ADVISED THE PILOT BEFOREHAND THAT THE AIRCRAFT SHOULD NOT BE FLOWN WITH THE PROBLEM. THE AIRCRAFT SERVICE MANUAL INDICATES LOW ENGINE POWER COULD BE CAUSED BY A RESTRICTION IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.  THE MUFFLER WAS FOUND TO BE BROKEN IN THE AREA ADJACENT TO THE NUMBER 6 CYLINDER STACK ATTACH POINT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N9222K (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA32R
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-7680197
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540K1G5D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: Barron Thomas Aviation, Inc.
- Registered owner: Barron Thomas Aviation, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, April 9, 1991

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,400 total, 5 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 70 °F

## 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 19910827036839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910827036839A), Aug 27, 1991: Piper PA32R300, San Diego, CA, Substantial damage. Lost power on takeoff. Aborted. Struck airport fence. Blocked exhaust manifold. Advised not to fly. No ferry permit.

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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