# NTSB MKC87LA154: Piper PA-32RT, N36646, Oelwein, IA, August 3, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 2, 1987, 22:20 local (Aug 3, 1987, 03:20 UTC)
- Place: Oelwein, IA
- Coordinates: 42.6702, -91.910736 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6702&lon=-91.9107&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 5 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 29, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34426
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC87LA154
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34426/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87LA154

## Sequence of events

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

- Fire, cruise
  - exhaust system,manifold/pipe - loose (cause)
  - maintenance - inadequate, company maintenance personnel (cause)
  - emergency procedure - performed, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING A PERSONAL NIGHT X-C FLT, THE PLT NOTICED A GLOWING CONDITION IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ALSO A LOSS OF MANIFOLD PRESSURE. THE PLT SHUT THE FUEL OFF, PULLED THE MIXTURE TO CUTOFF, AND DECLARED AN EMERGENCY. THE ACFT MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A CORNFIELD AND WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED A LOOSE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CONNECTION. THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF A FIRE IN THE AREA OF THIS CONNECTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N36646](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N36646-1990-08-01), registration cancelled 1990-08-01, S/N 32R7887063 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32RT
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32RT-300T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32rt-300t) (registry code 7103216) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-7887063
- Airframe hours: 1380
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-S1AD 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Niederhauser Aviaiton
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 30, 1986
- Departed: FLD, FONDULAC, WI
- Destination: ALO, WATERLOO, IA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,750 total, 320 in this make and model, 2,650 as pilot in command, 140 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19870802062739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870802062739A), Aug 2, 1987: Piper PA32RT300T, Oelwein, IA, Substantial damage. Fire in engine compartment. Forced landing in field. Engine fire in accessory section. Found loose exhaust manifold

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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