On May 21, 1992, a Piper PA-25-260 (registration N7354Z) operated by Mcconnaughhay, Kenneth W. was involved in an aviation accident near Des Arc, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE POWER LOSS DUE TO THE FAILED EXHAUST STACK RESULTANT FROM INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION. FACTORS WERE THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE LANDING AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED. 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.
A pilot experienced smoke in the cockpit after takeoff, followed by engine power loss and failure. The aircraft made a forced landing in a soft, rough field, collapsing the landing gear. Investigation revealed a separated exhaust stack caused damage to wiring and fuel system.
Incident Summary
After takeoff, the pilot detected smoke in the cockpit. Shortly afterward, the engine began to lose power and run rough, eventually quitting. The pilot attempted a forced landing in a soft, rough open field. The airplane landed hard, causing the landing gear to collapse.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident investigation revealed that the left exhaust stack had separated. This separation resulted in burning an engine wire bundle and subjecting the fuel strainer to high temperatures.
Operator's Statement
The operator stated that the accident could have been prevented through closer inspection of the exhaust system.
What happened in the 21 May 1992 Piper PA-25-260 accident near Des Arc, AR?
A pilot experienced smoke in the cockpit after takeoff, followed by engine power loss and failure. The aircraft made a forced landing in a soft, rough field, collapsing the landing gear. Investigation revealed a separated exhaust stack caused damage to wiring and fuel system.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 May 1992 involved a Piper PA-25-260, registration N7354Z, operated by Mcconnaughhay, Kenneth W., at Des Arc, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE POWER LOSS DUE TO THE FAILED EXHAUST STACK RESULTANT FROM INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION. FACTORS WERE THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE LANDING AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…