EL PASO, TX, USA
N5777M
PIPER PA-24-250
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INSULATION, FIRE SHIELD MATERIAL, ETC., ENTERED THE COCKPIT AND CABIN AREA THROUGH THESE OPENINGS WEN THE LANDING GEAR WAS RETRACTED.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.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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