1992-05-21: Piper PA-25-260 — Mcconnaughhay, Kenneth W.

1992-05-21: Piper PA-25-260 — Mcconnaughhay, Kenneth W. — Des Arc, AR

Casualties unknown • Des Arc, AR, US

Probable cause

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.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

AFTER TAKEOFF THE PILOT SMELLED SMOKE IN THE COCKPIT AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE ENGINE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AND RUN ROUGH. THE ENGINE SUBSEQUENTLY QUIT AND THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING IN A SOFT, ROUGH OPEN FIELD. THE AIRPLANE LANDED HARD AND THE GEAR COLLAPSED. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE LEFT EXHAUST STACK HAD SEPARATED, BURNED AN ENGINE WIRE BUNDLE, AND SUBJECTED THE FUEL STRAINER TO HIGH TEMPERATURES. THE OPERATOR STATED THAT THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED THROUGH CLOSER INSPECTION OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-05-21 Piper PA-25-260 accident near Des Arc, AR?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-05-21 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.

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