On October 26, 1990, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N6142D) operated by Ziebell, Grant G. was involved in an aviation accident near Summerville, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Separation of the exhaust stack inside the carburetor muff, resulting in exhaust gas impingement on the firewall and subsequent ignition of cabin insulation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During initial climb, smoke entered the cabin from under the control panel, followed by flames visible at passengers' feet. The aircraft landed on the opposite runway, revealing that exhaust gases had ignited cabin insulation after impinging on the firewall.
Event
During the initial climb after takeoff, smoke entered the cabin from under the control panel. Before the aircraft could be returned to the runway, flames became visible at the passengers' feet. The aircraft landed on the opposite runway without further incident.
Findings
Post-landing inspection revealed that exhaust gases had impinged on the firewall. The heat from this impingement ignited the cabin insulation. An FAA inspector discovered that the exhaust stack inside the carburetor muff had separated. This separation allowed exhaust gas to be directed against the firewall.
Inspection History
The aircraft had last been inspected 11 months prior to the accident. The exhaust system had never been replaced during the aircraft's service life.
Probable cause
Separation of the exhaust stack inside the carburetor muff, resulting in exhaust gas impingement on the firewall and subsequent ignition of cabin insulation.
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