Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-32-260 near Elk Rapids, MI — 2011-12-31

Final reportCEN12LA118
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Date
2011-12-31
Location
Elk Rapids, MI, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-32-260
Registration
N997TB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to the failure of the exhaust valve.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane was in cruise flight when the engine started to run rough and vibrate. He adjusted and checked the fuel mixture, throttle, magnetos, boost pump, and carburetor heat, but the vibration continued to get worse. He executed a forced landing to a field, but the airplane impacted a line of trees at the end of the field. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 1 cylinder exhaust valve was broken with about 50 percent of the valve face missing. The engine logbooks revealed that the engine was overhauled in 1994 and had accumulated 1,972.3 hours since the last overhaul. The engine manufacturer recommends that the engine be overhauled every 2,000 hours or after 12 years since last overhaul.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted a precautionary landing before engine issues worsened.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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