Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172P near Vega Baja, PR — 2011-04-01

Final reportERA11LA230
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Date
2011-04-01
Location
Vega Baja, PR, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172P
Registration
N98FR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The failure of the No. 2 cylinder exhaust valve resulting in a loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

During cruise flight, about 1,000 feet above ground level, the engine lost power and began to vibrate. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude, so he performed a forced landing to a nearby abandoned military airfield. After touchdown, the airplane departed the end of the runway and collided with trees and bushes resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 2 cylinder exhaust valve failed, and the valve parts exited the engine through the exhaust system. The operator reported that the exhaust valve had accumulated about 1,120 hours since installation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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