Pilot Debrief

SOCATA TB 9 TAMPI near Milner, GA — 2009-09-08

Final reportERA09LA510
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Date
2009-09-08
Location
Milner, GA, USA
Aircraft
SOCATA TB 9 TAMPI
Registration
N135ER
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The failure of the No. 3 cylinder exhaust valve for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

After takeoff the flight proceeded toward the destination airport. While in a descent between 7,000 and 6,500 feet msl, the engine began to vibrate and shake. The pilot continued toward the destination airport and reduced power to 2,000 rpm, but the vibrating/shaking continued. The pilot slowly reduced the power to idle, and after recognizing that he would be unable to land at the airport, he maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing in a field. He realized that the flight was too high to land in the first field, and he maneuvered the airplane toward a second field. He secured the engine about 100 feet above ground level (agl), and lowered full flaps. While descending through 20 feet agl, the airplane collided with the tops of pine trees. The airplane then impacted the ground and came to rest upright. Examination of the engine revealed the exhaust valve of the No. 3 cylinder was missing and not recovered. The top of the No. 3 piston exhibited heavy impact damage associated with the broken exhaust valve. The No. 3 cylinder had accumulated approximately 1,918 hours since overhaul at the time of the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for an earlier landing attempt at a closer field.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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