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December 23, 1994 · Piper PA-28-140 · N41774

La Belle, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 23, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
La Belle, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N41774
Operator
Flight Training Center
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA95LA048

DURING CRUISE FLIGHT, THE NUMBER 3 CYLINDER EXHAUST VALVE FAILED FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS RESULTING IN THE PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE, THE PILOT PERFORMED A FORCED LANDING ON A ROAD AND DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE LEFT WING COLLIDED WITH A SECTION OF A BRIDGE.

NTSB Probable Cause

PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO TOTAL FAILURE OF THE NO. 3 CYLINDER EXHAUST VALVE FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. ALSO, UNSUITABLE TERRAIN ENCOUNTERED DURING THE FORCED LANDING.

Full Narrative

On December 22, 1994, about 2150 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-140, N41774, registered to Aviation Enterprises Unlimited, Inc., was substantially damaged during a forced landing near La Belle, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The private-rated pilot and two passengers were not injured. The flight originated about 2055 from the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, Ft Lauderdale, Florida. The pilot stated that during cruise flight, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. Attempts to restore engine power were unsuccessful. Unable to maintain altitude he landed on a road and during the landing roll, the left wing of the airplane collided with a bridge. Examination of the engine by an FAA airworthiness inspector revealed that the No. 3 cylinder exhaust valve failed for undetermined reasons. The cylinder was overhauled on January 30, 1990, by the Harrison Engine Service, Inc., Work Order No. 8582. Scribed into the failed cylinder skirt was "11-89 HES 8582." Records from the overhaul facility were not available. Review of the airplane logbooks revealed that the airplane was last inspected in accordance with an annual inspection on December 9, 1994. Service Bulletin No. 388 dated May 13, 1992, which describes the procedures for checking the exhaust valve guide condition, requiring special tools, was not complied with. Compliance with the service bulletin is non-mandatory. The mechanic stated that he performed a general inspection for abnormal appearance and looseness. The engine had accumulated about 7 hours since the last annual inspection at the time of the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:50 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN41774
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFlight Training Center
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3H · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 25 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightBright Night
Wind160° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 61 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time02:49
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data