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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

September 11, 1991 · Cessna 172P · N97564

Hesperia, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 11, 1991
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 serious injuries)
Location
Hesperia, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172P
Tail Number
N97564
Operator
Mohave Aviation
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX91LA389

DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, AND WAS UNABLE TO CONTINUE TO CLIMB OR MAINTAIN ALTITUDE. THE PILOT STATED TO FAA INSPECTORS THAT HE CHANGED FUEL TANKS AND ADJUSTED THE MIXTURE TO NO AVAIL. HE LANDED STRAIGHT AHEAD INTO UNSUITABLE TERRAIN AND NOSED OVER. INVESTIGATION DETERMINED THAT NUMBER 2 CYLINDER EXHAUST VALVE HAD STUCK OPEN FROM CARBON BUILD UP. A MANUFACTURERS SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THIS POSSIBLE PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN ACCOMPLISHED AT THE RECOMMENDED TIME, NOR WERE OTHER ITEMS OF IN SERVICE INSPECTION/INFORMATION REGARDING VALVE STICKING ADDRESSED ACCORDING TO THE RECORDS AVAILABLE.

NTSB Probable Cause

A STUCK EXHAUST VALVE DUE TO THE OPERATOR'S NON COMPLIANCE WITH A MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDED SERVICE BULLETIN ON THE ENGINE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A SAFE LANDING.

Full Narrative

DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, AND WAS UNABLE TO CONTINUE TO CLIMB OR MAINTAIN ALTITUDE. THE PILOT STATED TO FAA INSPECTORS THAT HE CHANGED FUEL TANKS AND ADJUSTED THE MIXTURE TO NO AVAIL. HE LANDED STRAIGHT AHEAD INTO UNSUITABLE TERRAIN AND NOSED OVER. INVESTIGATION DETERMINED THAT NUMBER 2 CYLINDER EXHAUST VALVE HAD STUCK OPEN FROM CARBON BUILD UP. A MANUFACTURERS SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THIS POSSIBLE PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN ACCOMPLISHED AT THE RECOMMENDED TIME, NOR WERE OTHER ITEMS OF IN SERVICE INSPECTION/INFORMATION REGARDING VALVE STICKING ADDRESSED ACCORDING TO THE RECORDS AVAILABLE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172P
Tail NumberN97564
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMohave Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D2J · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious3
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 48 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 3 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time17:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data