Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150G near Star Valley, AZ — 2022-11-11

Final reportWPR23LA031
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Date
2022-11-11
Location
Star Valley, AZ, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 150G
Registration
N3131J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The failure of the No. 1 cylinder exhaust or intake valve which resulted in the partial loss of engine power and subsequent impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was enroute during a cross-country flight when the engine began running rough. He attempted to land in a clearing, but the airplane collided with trees and came to rest inverted before reaching the desired landing area. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 1 cylinder exhaust valve had separated and was imbedded in the face of the No. 1 piston, cracking the piston. A portion of the intake valve was missing, and a portion of a valve was recovered inside the heat exchanger. Either a failed intake or exhaust valve would have resulted in a partial loss of engine power, but damage to the No. 1 piston and its intake and exhaust valves prevented determination of the initiating failure within the cylinder.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight upon first signs of engine roughness.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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