Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150 near Stockbridge, GA — 2016-10-16

Final reportERA17LA015
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Date
2016-10-16
Location
Stockbridge, GA, USA
Airport
7GA7
Aircraft
CESSNA 150
Registration
N7948F
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power due to a stuck exhaust valve and the pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot completed an engine run-up before the personal flight with no anomalies noted. The pilot rotated the airplane about halfway down the runway. He stated that the airplane was not climbing normally during the takeoff, and a ground witness heard the engine making "popping" noises. The pilot attempted to clear trees off the end of the runway in order to make a controlled landing in the field on the other side, but the airplane impacted the field; the pilot was unable to recall any events that happened after passing over a tree. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the airplane displayed impact damage that included aftward crushing of the airplane's nose and the leading edges of both wings, which was consistent with an aerodynamic stall and impact with the ground in a nose-low attitude. Examination of the engine revealed the No. 4 cylinder's exhaust valve was stuck in the fully open position and coated in a carbon-like material. The stuck valve likely reduced engine power and airplane performance during the takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff upon noticing abnormal climb performance.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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