Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Maintenance Powerplant; Maintenance Airframe; Maintenance Inspection Authority
Maintenance Inspector 3; Maintenance Technician 7
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
A private pilot renting this aircraft experienced partial power loss of the engine at approximately 300 feet AGL shortly after departing. This power loss forced the pilot to make a 180 degree turn and land. The engine was inspected and found a piece of the exhaust diffuser had broken loose in the muffler and caused a 90% blockage of the exhaust pipe. A repair was conducted on this exhaust system and the aircraft has been returned to service.
During climb in an Alarus CH2000 the pilot experienced a partial power loss of the engine due to an exhaust diffuser braking loose in the exhaust system.