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Smoke and Fire in Cabin During Initial Climb After Exhaust System Failure (N6142D)

Summerville, SC, US

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. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Oct 1990 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Summerville, SC?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Oct 1990 Piper PA-22-150 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Oct 1990 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N6142D, operated by Ziebell, Grant G., at Summerville, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Separation of the exhaust stack inside the carburetor muff, resulting in exhaust gas impingement on the firewall and subsequent ignition of cabin insulation.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24408. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.