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Engine Failure During Takeoff Leads to Emergency Landing; Exhaust Bracket Fatigue Identified (N400HP)

Tipton, CA, US

On March 16, 1983, a Piper PA-36-285 (registration N400HP) was involved in an aviation accident near Tipton, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue failure of an exhaust stack bracket allowed exhaust gases to melt the P-leads to the magnetos, resulting in a loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff at about 80 feet, the engine backfired and lost power. The pilot performed an emergency landing in an open field while jettisoning load. The aircraft bounced, rolled 600 ft, hit a berm, and ended nose-down. Fatigue failure of an exhaust stack bracket caused exhaust gases to melt magneto P-leads.

Accident Sequence

During the takeoff climb, at approximately 80 feet above ground level, the aircraft's engine backfired and subsequently lost power. The pilot chose an open field for an emergency landing while attempting to jettison the load. During the landing, the aircraft bounced, rolled for about 600 feet, then struck a dirt berm and came to rest in a nose-down attitude.

Investigation Findings

An investigation into the accident revealed that an exhaust stack bracket had failed due to fatigue. This failure allowed exhaust gases to melt the P-leads connecting to the magnetos, resulting in the loss of engine power.

Probable cause

Fatigue failure of an exhaust stack bracket allowed exhaust gases to melt the P-leads to the magnetos, resulting in a loss of engine power.
Maintenance error

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42493. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.