1989-04-06: Cessna 180 — Fuchs, Gene Henry — Marshall, MN

Casualties unknown • Marshall, MN, US

Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF AN UNAPPROVED WELD BETWEEN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND MUFFLER. THE FAILED WELD RESULTED IN THE MUFFLER SEPARATING AND AN IN-FLIGHT FIRE.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

PORTION OF THE AIRCRAFT EXHAUST SYSTEM SEPARATED RESULTING IN AN IN-FLIGHT FIRE. THE RESULTANT ENGINE FAILURE NECESSITATED A FORCED LANDING. PILOT ATTEMPTED TO LAND IN A SOFT FIELD. AIRCRAFT FLIPPED INVERTED AND INCURRED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. PILOT WAS NOT INJURED. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEM REVEALED AN IMPROPER WELD BETWEEN THE MUFFLER AND THE EXHAUST. THE WELD FAILED AND THE MUFFLER SEPARATED.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-04-06 Cessna 180 accident near Marshall, MN?

PORTION OF THE AIRCRAFT EXHAUST SYSTEM SEPARATED RESULTING IN AN IN-FLIGHT FIRE. THE RESULTANT ENGINE FAILURE NECESSITATED A FORCED LANDING. PILOT ATTEMPTED TO LAND IN A SOFT FIELD. AIRCRAFT FLIPPED INVERTED AND INCURRED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. PILOT WAS NOT INJURED. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEM REVEALED AN…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-04-06 involved a Cessna 180, registration N7510K, operated by Fuchs, Gene Henry, at Marshall, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF AN UNAPPROVED WELD BETWEEN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND MUFFLER. THE FAILED WELD RESULTED IN THE MUFFLER SEPARATING AND AN IN-FLIGHT FIRE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28168. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…