On July 21, 1990, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N1570J) operated by Budge, James C was involved in an aviation accident near Clarksburg, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A deteriorated muffler with its inner tube (core) dislodged and partially blocking the engine's exhaust, resulting in a loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff from a 2100-foot turf airstrip, a 22-year-old aircraft lost engine power after gaining about 20 feet of altitude and collided with terrain beyond the runway. Examination revealed a deteriorated muffler with a dislodged inner tube partially blocking the exhaust.
Takeoff and Power Loss
The owner-operator of a 22-year-old aircraft initiated a takeoff from a 2100-foot-long turf airstrip with 25 degrees of flaps deployed. The pilot had expected the airplane to become airborne before reaching the end of the runway. The aircraft climbed to approximately 20 feet above ground level before the engine lost power, causing it to collide with terrain beyond the departure end of the runway.
Examination of the Engine Exhaust System
An examination of the engine exhaust system revealed that the muffler was deteriorated. The inner tube (core) of the muffler had dislodged and was partially blocking the engine's exhaust path. This blockage resulted in a loss of engine power during the takeoff climb.
Conclusion
The investigation determined that the loss of engine power was caused by the dislodged muffler core obstructing the exhaust flow.
Probable cause
A deteriorated muffler with its inner tube (core) dislodged and partially blocking the engine's exhaust, resulting in a loss of engine power.
What happened in the 21 Jul 1990 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Clarksburg, CA?
During takeoff from a 2100-foot turf airstrip, a 22-year-old aircraft lost engine power after gaining about 20 feet of altitude and collided with terrain beyond the runway. Examination revealed a deteriorated muffler with a dislodged inner tube partially blocking the exhaust.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Jul 1990 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N1570J, operated by Budge, James C, at Clarksburg, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A deteriorated muffler with its inner tube (core) dislodged and partially blocking the engine's exhaust, resulting in a loss of engine power.
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