Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150M near Beasley, TX — 2016-10-08

Final reportCEN17LA014
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Date
2016-10-08
Location
Beasley, TX, USA
Airport
ARM
Aircraft
CESSNA 150M
Registration
N704LE
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The No. 2 cylinder exhaust valve being stuck in the “full open” position due to carbon deposits, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported that he was returning from a solo flight when the engine "started failing." The engine speed decreased to about 1,500 rpm with a "significant" vibration. The pilot's efforts to restore engine power were unsuccessful, and the engine ultimately lost total power. He subsequently conducted a forced landing to a plowed field, during which the airplane nosed over. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 2 cylinder exhaust valve was stuck in the "full open" position. Disassembly of the cylinder revealed that the exhaust valve stem exhibited carbon deposits consistent with the stuck valve condition. No other engine anomalies were noted.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Maintenance could have addressed the stuck exhaust valve before the flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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