# NTSB MKC86LA084: Piper PA-32R-301T, N8178N, Perry, IA, April 10, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 10, 1986, 14:05 local (20:05 UTC)
- Place: Perry, IA
- Coordinates: 41.84056, -94.090736 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.8406&lon=-94.0907&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: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34156
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC86LA084
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34156/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC86LA084

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - exhaust system,clamp - loose (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,alignment - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - exhaust system,gasket - distorted (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
- Fire, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system,line fitting - burned (contributing factor)
  - fuel system,line - fire (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE PIC NOTICED A LOSS OF ENGINE PWR AND FLAMES ERUPTING FROM THE ENGINE COWLING. THE PIC EXECUTED A TURN BACK TO THE ARPT AS THICK BLACK SMOKE FILLED THE COCKPIT. THE PIC OPENED THE SIDE VENT WINDOW TO MAINTAIN SIGHT OF THE GROUND AND LANDED THE ACFT IN AN OPEN FIELD. THE PIC EXITED THE ACFT AND USED AND HAND HELD EXTINGUISHER TO COMBAT THE FLAMES BELCHING FM THE ENGINE COWLING. THE ENSUING FIRE SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED THE ACFT. INSPECTION OF THE FIRE AREA REVEALED AN EXHAUST V-CLAMP LOOSE AND A DISTORTED GASKET AT THE EXHAUST JOINTS. THIS ALLOWED BLOW-BY OF THE HOT EXHAUST GASES WHICH MELTED THE FUEL BOOST PUMP CONNECTION SPEWING RAW FUEL INTO THE HOT ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM HAD BEEN REMOVED TO REWORK A CYLINDER AND RE-INSTALLED 6 HOURS PRIOR TO THIS FLT. THE GASKET WAS DISTORTED DURING THE RE-ASSEMBLY OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8178N (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-301T (PA-32R-301)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 8029072
- Airframe hours: 2407
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-S1AD 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Hawkeye Eagle Trailers
- Registered owner: Jerry Woodke
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1986, 4 hours before
- Departed: PRO, PERRY, IA
- Destination: SLB, SCHALLER, IA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 3,546 total, 1,505 in this make and model, 3,360 as pilot in command, 90 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 3 knots, gusting 12
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DSM, 20 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 19860410033859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860410033859A), Apr 10, 1986: Piper PA32R301T, Perry, IA, Substantial damage. Loss of power and inflight fire after takeoff. Landed in a field. Found improperly installed exhuast gasket.

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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