# NTSB MKC84LA098: Piper PA-31P, N3TB, Olathe, KS, March 9, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 9, 1984, 16:50 local (22:50 UTC)
- Place: Olathe, KS
- Coordinates: 38.879695, -94.809394 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.8797&lon=-94.8094&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33649
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC84LA098
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33649/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC84LA098

## 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,turbocharger - disconnected (cause)
  - maintenance,alignment - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Fire, cruise - normal
  - emergency procedure - performed, pilot in command
  - propeller feathering - performed, pilot in command
  - performed, pilot in command
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command

## Analysis

AT FL240, A FIRE BROKE OUT IN THE RGT ENG COMPARTMENT. THE PLT INDICATED THAT THE ENG TURBO-CHARGER WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE PLT SHUT DOWN THE ENG & ASKED FOR RADAR VECTORS TO JOHNSON COUNTY EXECUTIVE ARPT. THE FIRE WENT OUT AT 21,000 FT & THE ACFT LANDED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. THERE WAS SEVERE BUCKLING OF THE ENG FIREWALL DUE TO THE INTENSE HEAT GENERATED BY THE ENG FIRE. THE TURBO-CHARGER EXHAUST CONNECTING TUBE HAD SEPARATED FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE TURBO/ EXHAUST TAILPIPE COUPLING, PN 78012, WAS OUT OF CENTERLINE ALIGNMENT BY 1.043 INCHES. INSTALLATION OF THIS COMPONENT WITHOUT PROPER ALIGNMENT WOULD PROHIBIT FULL DEPTH ENGAGEMENT OF THE TUBE WITH THE CONNECTING EXHAUST SYSTEM COMPONENTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3TB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3TB-2017-04-07), registration cancelled 2017-04-07, S/N 31P-7300153, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-31P
- Registry model: [Piper PA-31P](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-31p) (registry code 7103120) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TIGO-541SER](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-tigo-541ser) (registry code 41539, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7300153
- Airframe hours: 2446
- Engines: LYCOMING TGIO-541-E1A 425 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Yamin Oil & Supply, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 30, 1983, 18 hours before
- Departed: FFL, FAIRFIELD, IA
- Destination: HOUSTON, TX
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 3,390 total, 23 in this make and model, 3,250 as pilot in command, 180 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft broken
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: OJC

## 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 19840309007049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840309007049A), Mar 9, 1984: Piper PA31P, Olathe, KS, Substantial damage. Installation of exhaust mounting pipe for turbocharger was out of alignment which started inflight fire.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.