Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150L near Cypress, TX — 2022-11-20

Final reportCEN23LA040
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Date
2022-11-20
Location
Cypress, TX, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 150L
Registration
N10612
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

Failure of the engine exhaust valve during cruise flight, which resulted in a loss of engine power and a forced landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that during cruise flight the airplane engine began to run rough and shake violently. The pilot initiated a climb to a higher altitude and diverted to the nearest airport. The engine subsequently lost power and the pilot performed a forced landing on grass field, where the airplane struck a fence and sustained substantial damage. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 3 cylinder exhaust valve failed. At the time of the accident, the engine exceeded the engine manufacturer’s time between overhaul period specifications as outlined in the Continental Motors Service Information Letter SIL98-9E, which is not mandatory for Part 91 operations.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have performed maintenance before exceeding TBO.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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