# NTSB MKC89LA087: Cessna 180, N7510K, Marshall, MN, April 6, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 6, 1989, 12:05 local (17:05 UTC)
- Place: Marshall, MN
- Coordinates: 44.449161, -95.779335 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.4492&lon=-95.7793&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 2, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34775
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89LA087
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34775/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA087

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF AN UNAPPROVED WELD BETWEEN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND MUFFLER. THE FAILED WELD RESULTED IN THE MUFFLER SEPARATING AND AN IN-FLIGHT FIRE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Fire, climb - to cruise
  - exhaust system,muffler - failure,total (cause)
  - powerplant - failure,total
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PORTION OF THE AIRCRAFT EXHAUST SYSTEM SEPARATED RESULTING IN AN IN-FLIGHT FIRE. THE RESULTANT ENGINE FAILURE NECESSITATED A FORCED LANDING. PILOT ATTEMPTED TO LAND IN A SOFT FIELD. AIRCRAFT FLIPPED INVERTED AND INCURRED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. PILOT WAS NOT INJURED. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEM REVEALED AN IMPROPER WELD BETWEEN THE MUFFLER AND THE EXHAUST. THE WELD FAILED AND THE MUFFLER SEPARATED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7510K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7510K), registered now, S/N 18052656, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180
- Registry model: [Cessna 180J](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180j) (registry code 2072622) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18052656
- Airframe hours: 2131
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-S 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Fuchs, Gene Henry
- Registered owner: Eucene H Fuchs
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, October 22, 1988, 95 hours before
- Departed: MML, MARSHALL, MN
- Airport: MML

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, unknown; seat: left; flight hours: 3,001 total, 1,929 in this make and model, 65 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °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 19890406006529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890406006529A), Apr 6, 1989: Cessna 180, Marshall, MN, Substantial damage. A defective weld at the muffler allowed tail pipe to separate. Exhaust caused engine fire. Flipped over on landing.

## Other investigations on N7510K (2)

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.

- [NTSB LAX81DXQ14](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX81DXQ14), Mar 8, 1981: Cessna 180J (N7510K), Elko, NV, substantial damage
- [NTSB MKC81DCD04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC81DCD04), Dec 23, 1980: Cessna 180J (N7510K), Thompson, IA, substantial damage

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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