Pilot Debrief

Champion 7EC near Port O'Conner, TX — 2020-07-03

Final reportCEN20LA260
Sign in to save
Date
2020-07-03
Location
Port O'Conner, TX, USA
Aircraft
Champion 7EC
Registration
N9891B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to a stuck intake valve.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed on a local flight along the coastline. About 15 minutes into the flight, the engine lost power. The airplane would not hold altitude and impacted terrain and brush about 400 yards from the coastline and a small postcrash fire developed in the engine compartment. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the wing struts and bottom fuselage. Examination of the engine found that the No. 3 intake valve was stuck in the open position. A reason for the stuck valve was not identified. It was also noted that the valve springs on all the cylinders were weak; however, it could not be determined if this was due to heat from the engine compartment fire. No other pre-impact abnormalities were found.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked engine condition before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

Related mishaps