On June 2, 1985, a Bellanca 17-30A (registration N39854) was involved in an aviation accident near EL Paso, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the left muffler near the outlet, which allowed hot exhaust gases to enter the engine compartment and burn the magneto wire bundle (P-leads), leading to engine failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Shortly after liftoff, smoke entered the cockpit, then the engine failed. A forced landing resulted in a gear collapse after striking an embankment. Investigation found a failed muffler allowed hot exhaust to burn magneto wires.
Incident
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot first smelled smoke and then observed smoke entering the cockpit from under the instrument panel. Shortly thereafter, the engine ceased operating completely. The pilot executed a forced landing in an open area adjacent to the runway. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck an embankment, causing the landing gear to collapse.
Investigation
Examination revealed that the muffler on the left side had failed near the outlet. This muffler had been overhauled and installed on July 25, 1983. The failure allowed hot exhaust gases to enter the engine compartment, where they burned a wire bundle containing the magneto wiring (P-leads). A large section of the rear half of the muffler was missing.
Probable cause
The failure of the left muffler near the outlet, which allowed hot exhaust gases to enter the engine compartment and burn the magneto wire bundle (P-leads), leading to engine failure.
What happened in the 2 Jun 1985 Bellanca 17-30A accident near EL Paso, TX?
Shortly after liftoff, smoke entered the cockpit, then the engine failed. A forced landing resulted in a gear collapse after striking an embankment. Investigation found a failed muffler allowed hot exhaust to burn magneto wires.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Jun 1985 involved a Bellanca 17-30A, registration N39854, at EL Paso, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The failure of the left muffler near the outlet, which allowed hot exhaust gases to enter the engine compartment and burn the magneto wire bundle (P-leads), leading to engine failure.
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