Human beings were never fond of recurring or repetitive tasks. Every once in a while, we feel and try to overcome the strong urge or temptation to skip such tasks. From the inspection of official documents to automobile fuel checks, checking locked doors at night, reviewing the emergency alarm system, and more. Ignoring these seemingly trivial tasks may turn out to be a grave mistake when fate turns its back on you.
A similar and perhaps more catastrophic scenario materializes when aircraft exhaust system inspections and maintenance are neglected.
Although air travel is one of the safest means of transport, the accidents that occur in air travel are relatively more lethal and quite unforgiving compared to other modes. After all, there isn’t much you can do if your aircraft unexpectedly gives up thousands of feet above the ground. The latter is why we, as the most reputed aviation welding technicians across Canada, frequently emphasize the importance of aircraft maintenance and that of its parts.
Although the number of accidents that occur during air travel is way less than other modes of transport, the fatality rate per accident for air is more than the rest. Surprisingly, a faulty aircraft exhaust is responsible for more deaths than a plane crash. Accordingly, BBC’s recent revelations about the likely cause of the plane crash that caused the death of the famous footballer, Emiliano Sala, have raised new questions.
The investigating officer disclosed that a damaged exhaust was the possible culprit behind the incident. Supposedly, the exhaust had not undergone the pressure test. Everyone was satisfied with the plane’s ‘last maintenance check, which revealed no evidence of unfitness’.
In order to save you from such a tragedy, this blog post will look into the importance of aircraft exhaust inspection and its potential failures.
The Importance Of Proper Aircraft Exhaust Inspection
Surely, you are well aware of an aircraft exhaust’s primary function. Primarily, it is responsible for venting toxic gasses away from the engine and cabin while receding noise. Additionally, it also indirectly provides the necessary heat to the cabin. Thus, the exhaust is the most critical determinant of an engine’s smooth functionality and safety of the aircraft.
This is why a minor distortion or fault in the exhaust becomes detrimental and dangerous.
Potential Aircraft Exhaust Problems And Failures
The things that can go wrong in an exhaust include:
- Misaligned stacks - The exhaust is made of a unique type of steel that is highly resistant to corrosion and breakage. However, if your exhaust lands in the hands of an unprofessional welder, a trivial and reparable issue might turn into fatal stack misalignments. These are likely to cause many leaks.
- Muffler leaks and cracks - leaks and cracks in the mufflers are the main reason behind poisonous gas leaks into the cabin.
- Torching - Impingement heating of exhaust components and the surrounding elements are responsible for uncountable fire incidents.
- Cabin heat system leaks - One of the biggest problems caused by exhaust gas is Carbon Monoxide invasion. CO is a killer gas responsible for most fatalities in air incidents.
- Engine failure - lastly, a malfunctioning exhaust significantly impacts an engine’s performance. Loose baffles or diffused mufflers and their movements often block exhaust outlets.
- This blockage results in partial or complete engine failure, which translates into plane crashes.
The importance of adequate aircraft exhaust inspection and maintenance can not be emphasized enough. A slight slip in this regard, and your life and that of your companions will be at risk. Therefore, always have a reliable and diligent aviation expert inspect your aircraft and its components to ensure flight safety.
Aircraft Inspection Tips
- Carry out basic visual inspections daily.
- The plane must undergo thorough and repetitive preflight inspections regardless of the last inspection.
- Always pressure test your aircraft exhaust before any flight.
- Thoroughly inspect each aircraft component before a flight.
- Inspect internal exhaust components by partially lifting the upper parts.
- Utilization of a borescope for internal inspection is highly advised.
- Do not ignore the turbocharger system components.
- Consider material compatibility before any repairs or welding. For instance, do not use stainless steel to fix a carbon steel system.
- Familiarize yourself with the common signs of potential aircraft problems.
About Acorn Welding
Through our unending commitment to quality and innovative mindset, we have become trendsetters in the aviation industry across Canada and worldwide. Learn more about Acorn Welding and our unique approach to aviation.
Need an exhaust inspection or repair? Contact us now.
