# NTSB MIA92LA010: Piper PA-32-260, N563PR, Vieques, PR, October 4, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 4, 1991, 16:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Vieques, PR
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33019
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA92LA010
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33019/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA92LA010

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE INSPECTION RESULTING IN THE DEFECTIVE MUFFLER WHICH FAILED AND CAUSED AN INFLIGHT FIRE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, climb - to cruise
  - exhaust system,muffler - corroded
  - exhaust system,muffler - cracked
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, company maintenance personnel (cause)
  - exhaust system,muffler - failure,partial
- Fire, climb - to cruise

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTURE PILOT HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM THE ENGINE AREA AND BEGAN TO SMELL SMOKE. HE RETURNED TO THE AIRPORT AND MADE AN UNEVENTFUL LANDING. AFTER LANDING HE EXITED THE AIRCRAFT AND GROUND CREWS EXTINGUISHED A FIRE WHICH HAD ERUPTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE HAD BURNED THROUGH THE BAGGAGE COMPARTMENT. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT BY FAA INSPECTORS INDICATED THE EXHAUST PIPE HAD SEPARATED FROM THE MUFFLER ALLOWING ENGINE EXHAUST TO EXIT ESCAPE INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N563PR](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N563PR), registered now, S/N 32-7200027 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-260
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-7200027
- Airframe hours: 5696
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Operator: Alas Del Caribe
- Registered owner: Alas Del Caribe
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 7, 1991, 14 hours before
- Destination: STT, ST. THOMAS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,200 total, 1,100 in this make and model, 2,053 as pilot in command, 240 in the last 90 days, 80 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 75 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: STX, 50 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 19911004050719A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911004050719A), Oct 4, 1991: Piper PA32260, Isla De Vieques, Puerto Rico, Substantial damage. Smoke in cockpit on climbout and muffled explosion. Returned. Fire in engine put out. Muffler tail pipe failed.

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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