# NTSB NYC90LA228: Piper PA-12, N2770M, Franconia, NH, September 23, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 23, 1990, 10:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Franconia, NH
- Location: 44.2270° N, 71.7479° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Franconia, NH, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.2270&lon=-71.7479&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36743
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC90LA228
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36743/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC90LA228

## Probable cause

THE LANDING OF THE AIRPLANE IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN, DUE TO THE MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE ENGINE CENTER MUFFLER BAFFLE, WHICH BLOCKED THE EXHAUST FLOW, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF POWER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - exhaust system,baffle - failure,partial (cause)
  - exhaust system - blocked(partial)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE WAS ON A SIGHTSEEING TRIP CRUISING AT 1500' WHEN, ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, 'A BACKFIRE WAS HEARD AND THE AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED PARTIAL POWER LOSS. SUFFICIENT POWER WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR CONTINUED FLIGHT. AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS MADE IN THE TREES.' A MAINTENANCE FACILITY EXAMINED THE ENGINE AND FOUND THE CENTER MUFFLER BAFFLE HAD BROKEN LOOSE AND HAD BLOCKED THE EXHAUST FLOW. THIS RESULTED IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2770M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2770M), registered now, S/N 12-1149, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-12
- Registry model: [Piper PA-12](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-12) (registry code 7101202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1468-15
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: North Country Flying Service
- Airport: 1B5, Franconia

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 12,410 total, 1,140 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19900923046819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900923046819A), Sep 23, 1990: Piper PA12, Franconia, NH, Substantial damage. Backfire and partial power loss. Landed in trees. Muffler baffle broke and blocked engine exhaust.

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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