1991-08-27: Piper PA32R — Barron Thomas Aviation, Inc.

1991-08-27: Piper PA32R — Barron Thomas Aviation, Inc. — San Diego, CA

Casualties unknown • San Diego, CA, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT OPERATING THE AIRCRAFT WITH A KNOWN ENGINE DISCREPANCY THAT WOULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO LOSE POWER DUE TO RESTRICTION TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH THE AIRPORT PERIMETER FENCE AFTER THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF. THE PILOT WAS FERRYING THE AIRCRAFT WITHOUT A PERMIT TO ANOTHER AIRFIELD TO FIX A KNOWN ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEM DISCREPANCY. A MAINTENANCE PERSON ADVISED THE PILOT BEFOREHAND THAT THE AIRCRAFT SHOULD NOT BE FLOWN WITH THE PROBLEM. THE AIRCRAFT SERVICE MANUAL INDICATES LOW ENGINE POWER COULD BE CAUSED BY A RESTRICTION IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE MUFFLER WAS FOUND TO BE BROKEN IN THE AREA ADJACENT TO THE NUMBER 6 CYLINDER STACK ATTACH POINT.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-08-27 Piper PA32R accident near San Diego, CA?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-08-27 involved a Piper PA32R, registration N9222K, operated by Barron Thomas Aviation, Inc., at San Diego, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT OPERATING THE AIRCRAFT WITH A KNOWN ENGINE DISCREPANCY THAT WOULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO LOSE POWER DUE TO RESTRICTION TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.

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