Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172N near Bedford Park, IL — 2011-06-18

Final reportCEN11LA413
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Date
2011-06-18
Location
Bedford Park, IL, USA
Airport
MDW
Aircraft
CESSNA 172N
Registration
N172NT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to a fractured push rod precipitated by a stuck exhaust valve.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that about 5 miles from the destination the engine started to run rough, and about 20 seconds later the engine lost power. His attempts to restore engine power were unsuccessful. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing roll the airplane nosed over on the soft field. A postaccident examination revealed that the No.3 cylinder exhaust valve push rod had buckled and fractured near mid-length. The push rod fracture surfaces showed failure signatures consistent with overload precipitated by a stuck valve. No other engine anomalies were observed.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to land at a closer airport after engine started running rough.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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