On October 16, 1987, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N3903W) operated by Donald J. Laine, Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failed exhaust system due to extensive corrosion, allowing hot exhaust gases to start a fire in the engine area. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft developed an engine fire during initial climb after takeoff. Following engine power loss, the pilot attempted a landing in a small park. The aircraft touched down short of a drainage ditch and collided with the opposite embankment. Post-accident inspection revealed a failed exhaust system due to extensive corrosion.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft was in the initial climb phase after takeoff when a fire broke out in the engine area. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost power. The pilot then attempted an emergency landing in a small park. During the landing, the aircraft touched down just short of a drainage ditch and subsequently collided with the sloping embankment on the opposite side of the ditch.
Post-Accident Inspection
A post-accident examination revealed that the exhaust system had failed. The failure allowed hot exhaust gases to escape, which ignited a fire in the engine area. The exhaust pipe itself was found to have failed due to extensive corrosion.
Probable cause
Failed exhaust system due to extensive corrosion, allowing hot exhaust gases to start a fire in the engine area.
What happened in the 16 Oct 1987 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Houston, TX?
An aircraft developed an engine fire during initial climb after takeoff. Following engine power loss, the pilot attempted a landing in a small park. The aircraft touched down short of a drainage ditch and collided with the opposite embankment. Post-accident inspection revealed a failed exhaust system due to extensive…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Oct 1987 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N3903W, operated by Donald J. Laine, Jr., at Houston, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Failed exhaust system due to extensive corrosion, allowing hot exhaust gases to start a fire in the engine area.
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