Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150H near Vacaville, CA — 2022-08-24

Final reportWPR22LA316
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Date
2022-08-24
Location
Vacaville, CA, USA
Airport
VCB
Aircraft
CESSNA 150H
Registration
N22507
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to a stuck exhaust valve.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting a personal flight. During the initial climb after takeoff, the engine lost partial power, and the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a nearby field; during the landing roll, the airplane impacted uneven terrain and came to rest upright, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 2 cylinder exhaust valve exhibited signatures consistent with a stuck valve, including a buildup of carbon deposits, and the exhaust valve could only be moved out of the valve guide with a significant amount of force. No additional evidence indicated any pre-existing mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. Thus, the stuck exhaust valve likely caused the partial loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff upon engine sputtering.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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