Incident Description
Shortly after departure from the airport, the pilot of the aircraft heard a loud bang coming from the engine area. Simultaneously, the pilot began to smell smoke. In response, the pilot elected to return to the airport. The subsequent landing was uneventful.
Post-Landing Fire
After the aircraft had landed, the pilot exited the aircraft. Ground crews on the scene then extinguished a fire that had erupted in the engine compartment. The fire had burned through the baggage compartment, causing damage.
Investigation Findings
Following the incident, FAA inspectors examined the aircraft. Their examination indicated that the exhaust pipe had separated from the muffler. This separation allowed engine exhaust to escape into the engine compartment.