On March 14, 1988, a Piper PA-22-108 (registration N5611Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Dorado, PR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: WHILE ON A PERSONAL FLT IN NORMAL CRUISE AT AN ALT OF 1000 FT APRX 2 MILES SOUTHEAST OF THE ARPT, THE ENG BEGAN TO MISFIRE AND THE CABIN FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE PLT ELECTED TO LAND IN A CLEARING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During cruise at 1,000 ft, the engine misfired and smoke filled the cabin. The pilot landed in a clearing, but the nose gear broke during the landing roll, causing the aircraft to nose over. Investigation revealed pin-size rust holes in the muffler that allowed exhaust to burn through the shroud and damage wiring.
Event Description
While on a personal flight in normal cruise at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet, about 2 miles southeast of the airport, the engine began to misfire and the cabin filled with smoke. The pilot elected to land in a clearing. The pilot stated that the engine was losing power and that the aircraft could not maintain altitude. During the landing roll, the nose gear broke off after hitting a small rise in terrain. The aircraft nosed over and came to rest.
Investigation Findings
Post-crash inspection revealed that the muffler had several pin-size rust holes, which permitted exhaust gases to burn through the shroud. This exhaust damaged insulation on the left magneto wiring harness, voltage regulator wiring, and battery wires from the generator. After replacing the magneto wiring harness, an engine run-up was accomplished with no problems noted. The muffler shroud was made of aluminum rather than stainless steel.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 14 Mar 1988 Piper PA-22-108 accident near Dorado, PR?
During cruise at 1,000 ft, the engine misfired and smoke filled the cabin. The pilot landed in a clearing, but the nose gear broke during the landing roll, causing the aircraft to nose over. Investigation revealed pin-size rust holes in the muffler that allowed exhaust to burn through the shroud and damage wiring.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Mar 1988 involved a Piper PA-22-108, registration N5611Z, at Dorado, PR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
WHILE ON A PERSONAL FLT IN NORMAL CRUISE AT AN ALT OF 1000 FT APRX 2 MILES SOUTHEAST OF THE ARPT, THE ENG BEGAN TO MISFIRE AND THE CABIN FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE PLT ELECTED TO LAND IN A CLEARING. THE PLT ALSO STATED THAT THE ENG WAS LOSING PWR AND THT A/C COULD NOT MAINTAIN ALT. DURING TH ELNDG ROLL THE NOSE GEAR…
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