Beech C23 N18994 accident near Gonzales, Texas

Probable cause

The loss of engine power during go-around due to a failed muffler flame tube, which resulted in an exhaust blockage. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel's inadequate inspection of the exhaust system during the most recent maintenance.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, while on final approach to the runway he experienced wind shear and elected to go around. He applied full throttle and began to climb out when the engine sustained a loss of power, so he made a forced landing to a field off the left side of the runway. The airplane collided with a fence and a tree, which separated the right wing near the wing root.

Postaccident examination of the exhaust system revealed that a portion of the muffler flame tube had failed and blocked at least 95% of the tailpipe exit path. The piece of flame tube was lodged in the tailpipe. A 3-inch crack was noted on the muffler endcap opposite of the separated flame tube. There were no other mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

The muffler had been repaired and reinstalled on the airplane about 23 years before the accident and accumulated 504.84 hours. The most recent 100-hour/annual inspection, which was completed 55.4 hours before the accident, failed to identify the degraded and corroded flame tube.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA418 for the full record.