On June 25, 1984, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N40921) operated by Johnson TV & Electronics was involved in an aviation accident near Marlboro, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inner flame tube in the muffler had dislodged, partially blocking the exhaust outlet and resulting in excessive engine back pressure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
On initial climb, the pilot noted a loss of climb performance and executed a steep 180-degree turn to avoid high voltage lines. The maneuver, combined with reduced power, led to a near-stall speed. After lowering the nose to prevent a stall, the aircraft collided with treetops and lost flying speed. The pilot managed to keep the aircraft upright during a subsequent mush into an open field, but the landing gear collapsed on touchdown due to a high descent rate. Investigation revealed that the inner flame tube in the muffler had dislodged, partially blocking the exhaust outlet and causing excessive engine back pressure.
Accident Narrative
During the initial climb after takeoff, the pilot observed a loss of climb performance. To avoid high voltage lines on rising terrain ahead, the pilot executed a steep 180-degree turn. This maneuver, coupled with reduced engine power, resulted in an airspeed decrease to near stall speed. The pilot lowered the nose to prevent a stall, causing the aircraft to collide with treetops and lose flying speed. Despite the loss of speed, the pilot managed to keep the aircraft upright during the ensuing mush into an open field. However, the landing gear collapsed on touchdown due to the high descent rate.
Investigation Findings
The subsequent investigation revealed that the inner flame tube in the muffler had dislodged. This partially blocked the exhaust outlet, resulting in excessive engine back pressure. The blocked exhaust contributed to the reduced engine power and loss of climb performance that led to the event.
Probable cause
The inner flame tube in the muffler had dislodged, partially blocking the exhaust outlet and resulting in excessive engine back pressure.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 25 Jun 1984 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Marlboro, NJ?
On initial climb, the pilot noted a loss of climb performance and executed a steep 180-degree turn to avoid high voltage lines. The maneuver, combined with reduced power, led to a near-stall speed. After lowering the nose to prevent a stall, the aircraft collided with treetops and lost flying speed. The pilot managed…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Jun 1984 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N40921, operated by Johnson TV & Electronics, at Marlboro, NJ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The inner flame tube in the muffler had dislodged, partially blocking the exhaust outlet and resulting in excessive engine back pressure.