On July 28, 1990, a Wsk Pzl Mielec M18A (registration N81699) operated by Ken Fabel was involved in an aviation accident near Hunter, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: LOSS OF PART OF THE ENGINE EXHAUST COLLECTOR, AS RESULT OF IMPROPER MAINTENANCE REPLACEMENT/INSTALLATION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Pilot experienced rough engine, high fuel pressure, and flames; forced landing in flooded rice field resulted in aircraft fire. Investigation found missing exhaust collector segment, recently replaced.
Incident Overview
While flying between two airfields, the pilot encountered a rough-running engine accompanied by an increase in fuel pressure. Flames were observed coming over the nose of the airplane. The pilot executed a forced landing in a flooded rice field. The aircraft was subsequently consumed by fire.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination revealed that a portion of the engine exhaust collector was missing. A witness reported seeing an object fall from the airplane, but no such object was located on the ground. The exhaust segment had been replaced by a local maintenance facility one day prior to the incident. No other anomalies were identified.
Aftermath
The aircraft was destroyed by the fire. No additional details regarding the pilot or passengers were provided in the investigation report.
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