Pilot Debrief

PIPER J3L-65 near Nondalton, AK — 2013-09-05

Final reportANC13LA102
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Date
2013-09-05
Location
Nondalton, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER J3L-65
Registration
N38262
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The fracture and subsequent failure of the No. 4 cylinder exhaust valve during cruise flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while the airplane was in level cruise flight, he heard a loud "pop," followed by a total loss of engine power. He subsequently made a forced landing to an open, tundra-covered site. During the forced landing, the airplane nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed a fractured exhaust valve stem on the No. 4 cylinder, which subsequently pulverized the electrodes on both sparks plugs and severely damaged the piston.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted a preflight inspection for engine issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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