Pilot Debrief

CIRRUS SR22 near Red Oak, IA — 2023-10-15

Final reportCEN24LA011
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Date
2023-10-15
Location
Red Oak, IA, USA
Airport
KRDK
Aircraft
CIRRUS SR22
Registration
N6JA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The fatigue failure of the exhaust valve due to excessive combustion deposits, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to ensure that the required scheduled maintenance was completed.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to ensure that the required scheduled maintenance was completed.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the engine began to run rough during the cross-country flight, and the pilot diverted to a nearby non-tower-controlled airport, where he flew the RNAV (GPS) approach to runway 5, the airport’s longest runway. During the descent and approach, the air traffic controller informed the pilot that runway 5 was closed; however, the pilot proceeded to land, and the airplane impacted a barricade and ground equipment, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. Examination of the engine found excessive combustion products on the No. 4 cylinder exhaust valve. The deposits wore the valve guide, which resulted in the improper seat of the valve, abnormal valve operation, and fatigue failure of the valve face. The excessive combustion product deposits were most likely due to a rich fuel/air mixture, which prevented the cylinder from reaching the temperature required to ensure that lead combustion products were expelled from the cylinder with the exhaust gas. Review of the airplane’s maintenance records revealed that the engine was 15 days overdue for an annual inspection. Had the required inspection had been performed on time, the exhaust valve issues likely would have been discovered before the accident occurred.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to divert to another airport after engine issues arose.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents14

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