Overview
A Piper PA-32-301T aircraft was climbing out from Bedford when, at an altitude of approximately 600 feet above ground level, the engine ceased running. The pilot initiated an emergency landing on a taxiway. The landing was hard, resulting in the collapse of the landing gear.
Engine Examination
Post-incident examination of the engine revealed that the exhaust intermediate pipe flange had failed and separated from the crossover pipe. The hot exhaust gases melted the insulation on the magneto 'P' leads, causing a short circuit. The investigation determined that the exhaust intermediate pipe and the crossover pipe had been improperly installed.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the engine failure was the improper installation of the exhaust intermediate pipe and the crossover pipe, leading to flange failure and subsequent magneto shorting.