Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172K near Sylacauga, AL — 2011-08-05

Final reportERA11CA441
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Date
2011-08-05
Location
Sylacauga, AL, USA
Airport
SCD
Aircraft
CESSNA 172K
Registration
N7214G
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A stuck exhaust-valve on the number one cylinder which resulted in a loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The student demonstrated a touch-and-go landing and as the airplane climbed through approximately 150 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The certified flight instructor (CFI) took control of the airplane and attempted to troubleshoot the loss of power while executing a turn to the right, as the forested area off the end of the runway precluded landing straight ahead. The airplane descended below the tops of the trees, and the CFI attempted to follow an S-turn in a road and land in an area free from obstructions. Midway through the turn, the airspeed began to degrade, and the airplane began to stall. The CFI reduced the angle of attack to keep from stalling and losing control and allowed the left wing to come in contact with a tree. The airplane yawed to the left, the right wing contacted trees, and the airplane impacted the ground. A postaccident examination revealed that the exhaust valve for the No.1 cylinder was stuck in the open position which was consistent with the engine's loss of power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Instructor could have executed a forced landing straight ahead after power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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