On October 4, 1985, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N8614N) operated by Chapman Air,inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Jacksonville, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper repair of a crack in the exhaust pipe, where the weld did not fully penetrate the cracked metal. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
After departure, an aircraft experienced a loss of engine power and visible smoke from windshield exhaust ducts. The engine failed then was restarted, and the aircraft returned for a normal landing. Inspection revealed a cracked exhaust pipe that caused a fire in the lower engine cowling. The crack occurred at a previous repair that was improperly welded.
Incident Overview
Shortly after departure, the flight experienced a loss of engine power. Visible smoke was observed coming from the windshield exhaust ducts. The engine subsequently failed; however, the pilot was able to regain engine power and return to the airport. A normal landing was performed.
Post-Landing Inspection
Following the landing, a post-flight inspection of the aircraft was conducted. This inspection revealed that an exhaust pipe had developed a crack. The crack in the exhaust pipe caused the lower engine cowling to catch fire, which occurred just forward of the engine air intake. Further examination of the exhaust pipe indicated that the crack was located at a site where a previous repair had been made due to an earlier crack. The repair was determined to be improper because the weld did not fully penetrate the cracked metal.
Probable cause
Improper repair of a crack in the exhaust pipe, where the weld did not fully penetrate the cracked metal.
What happened in the 4 Oct 1985 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Jacksonville, FL?
After departure, an aircraft experienced a loss of engine power and visible smoke from windshield exhaust ducts. The engine failed then was restarted, and the aircraft returned for a normal landing. Inspection revealed a cracked exhaust pipe that caused a fire in the lower engine cowling. The crack occurred at a…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Oct 1985 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N8614N, operated by Chapman Air,inc., at Jacksonville, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Improper repair of a crack in the exhaust pipe, where the weld did not fully penetrate the cracked metal.
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