NTSB Identification: FTW87FA161.
The docket is stored on NTSB microfiche number 33602.
Accident occurred Saturday, July 04, 1987 in EL PASO, TX
Probable Cause Approval Date: 05/09/1988
Aircraft: PIPER PA-24-250, registration: N5777M
Injuries: 1 Serious,2 Minor.
NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.ESCAPING HOT EXHAUST GAS FROM THE BROKEN EXHAUST MANIFOLD MELTED THE SEALANT FROM SEVERAL AREAS OF THE FIREWALL WHERE HOSES, WIRES, ETC., PASS THROUGH TO THE COCIPIT AREA. HEAVY BLACK SMOKE PRODUCED BY SMOLDERING WIRE INSULATION, FIRE SHIELD MATERIAL, ETC., ENTERED THE COCKPIT AND CABIN AREA THROUGH THESE OPENINGS WEN THE LANDING GEAR WAS RETRACTED. THE PILOT DECLARED AN EMERGENCY WITH THE AIRPORT TOWER CONTROLLER. HE OPENED THE PILOT'S VENT WINDOW, EXTENDED THE LANDING GEAR AND REDUCED ENGINE POWER AND THE SMOKE DIMINISHED SOMEWHAT BUT WOULD BECOME MORE INTENSE EACH TIME ENGINE POWER WAS REAPPLIED. ADEQUATE POWER FOR SPEED AND RUNWAY ALIGNMENT COULD NOT BE OBTAINED DUE TO THE INCREASED SMOKE. THEREFORE, A HARD, OFF RUNWAY LANDING WAS ACCOMPLISHED.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
EXHAUST SYSTEM,MANIFOLD/PIPE..FAILURE,TOTAL
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
MAINTENANCE,INSPECTION..IMPROPER..OTHER MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
AIRSPEED(VS)..NOT MAINTAINED..PILOT IN COMMAND
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
AIRCRAFT CONTROL..NOT POSSIBLE..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
FUSELAGE,CREW COMPARTMENT..SMOKE
Contributing Factors
LANDING GEAR..OVERLOAD
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