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Exhaust Muffler Failure Leads to Engine Power Loss and Emergency Landing (N6707V)

Camden, SC, US

On July 30, 1985, a Bellanca 17-30A (registration N6707V) was involved in an aviation accident near Camden, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the exhaust muffler at a weld joint, allowing hot exhaust gases to burn the magneto wires and render the magnetos inoperative. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During flight over wooded terrain, the engine lost power due to an exhaust muffler failure at a weld joint. Hot exhaust gases burned magneto wires, rendering them inoperative. The pilot executed an emergency approach to a plowed field, striking tree tops before a gear-up landing.

Accident Sequence

While the aircraft was flying over wooded terrain, the engine lost power. The pilot sighted a plowed field approximately 3 miles away and initiated an emergency approach to that field. During the final approach, the aircraft struck the tops of trees but continued flying until the pilot performed a gear-up landing.

Examination Findings

An examination of the aircraft revealed that the exhaust muffler had failed at a weld where a ball joint was connected. This failure allowed hot exhaust gases to enter the engine compartment, where they burned the magneto wires. The magnetos were subsequently rendered inoperative due to the damage.

Maintenance Background

Airworthiness Directive (AD) 76-23-03 required an inspection of the exhaust system every 100 hours. Compliance with this AD was recorded on October 7, 1983, but the inspection was not performed during the last annual inspection on December 7, 1984. The aircraft had accumulated 68 hours of flight time since the last AD compliance.

Probable cause

Failure of the exhaust muffler at a weld joint, allowing hot exhaust gases to burn the magneto wires and render the magnetos inoperative.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Jul 1985 Bellanca 17-30A accident near Camden, SC?

During flight over wooded terrain, the engine lost power due to an exhaust muffler failure at a weld joint. Hot exhaust gases burned magneto wires, rendering them inoperative. The pilot executed an emergency approach to a plowed field, striking tree tops before a gear-up landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Jul 1985 involved a Bellanca 17-30A, registration N6707V, at Camden, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the exhaust muffler at a weld joint, allowing hot exhaust gases to burn the magneto wires and render the magnetos inoperative.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36994. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.