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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

December 3, 1998 · Cessna 150 · N18022

Columbia, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 3, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Columbia, NC
Aircraft
Cessna 150
Tail Number
N18022
Operator
Jeffery W Williams
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL99LA027

Approximately one hour into the flight, the flight instructor reported that the engine developed a rough condition and a reduction in power. Since normal flight could not be maintained, the flight instructor selected a field that he believed would be suitable for a forced landing. During the landing roll, the flight instructor attempted to avoid a collision with a drainage ditch and trees. After the airplane went through several gyrations, it rested 180 degrees from the initial landing direction. Examination of the engine disclosed that the #2 exhaust valve had failed, and pieces of the valve head were lodged in the cylinder and the exhaust system. The examination of the valve revealed that the valve head separated at the valve stem attach point. The valve stem remained in a normally installed position, and functioned normally when the engine drive train was rotated. A review of the engine maintenance logs disclosed that this engine had a previous exhaust valve failure 931 hours ago. The exhaust valve Part Number was SA-646612.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the #2 exhaust valve that resulted in the total loss of engine power. A factor is the lack of suitable emergency landing terrain.

Full Narrative

On December 3, 1998, at 1430 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150, N18022, collided with the ground during an emergency landing, near Columbia, North Carolina. The instructional flight was operated by the flight instructor under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. A review of weather data from the nearest reporting facility disclosed that visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. According to the operator, the airframe sustained substantial structural damage. The certified flight instructor and the student pilot, were not injured. The local flight departed Manteo, North Carolina, at 1330. According to the flight instructor, before the initial takeoff, he and the student pilot completed a preflight inspection and a normal engine run-up. The flight instructor reported that after the initial takeoff they flew to Elizabeth City, North Carolina, where they made a touch and go landing. The flight instructor and student pilot made another touch and go landing at Edenton, North Carolina. Approximately one hour into the flight, the flight instructor reported that the engine developed a rough condition and a reduction in power. Since normal flight could not be maintained, the flight instructor selected a field that he believed would be suitable for a forced landing. During the landing roll the flight instructor attempted to avoid a collision with a drainage ditch and trees. After the airplane went through several gyrations, it rested 180 degrees from the initial landing direction. Examination of the engine disclosed that the #2 exhaust valve had failed, and pieces of the valve head were lodged in the cylinder and the exhaust system. The examination of the valve revealed that the valve head separated at the valve stem attach point. The valve stem remained in a normally installed position, and functioned when the engine drive train was rotated. A review of the engine maintenance logs disclosed that this engine had a previous exhaust valve failure 931 hours ago. The exhaust valve Part Number was SA-646612 (see attached FAA inspector's report).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150
Tail NumberN18022
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJeffery W Williams
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 31 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 50
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data