Pilot Debrief

Cessna 172 near Kingston, OK — 2019-07-22

Final reportCEN19LA233
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Date
2019-07-22
Location
Kingston, OK, USA
Airport
F31
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Registration
N8251L
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The noncertificated pilot and two passengers were departing the airport for a local flight. On departure, the pilot noted that the airplane's engine did not produce full power and that the airplane would not climb as expected. The airplane collided with a sign and a vehicle before coming to rest on a golf course. Examination of the engine found that the No. 1 cylinder exhaust valve was stuck in the open position; no other anomalies were detected with the airframe and engine. It is likely that the reduced engine power was a result of the stuck exhaust valve, which would have severely limited the airplane's climb performance.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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