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NTSB Report
September 27, 1991 · Piper PA-28-161 · N2520U
San Carlos, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 27, 1991
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
San Carlos, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N2520U
Operator
Donald Landen
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX91LA410
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE AIRPLANE WAS BEING FLOWN FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE REPLACEMENT OF SEVERAL MAJOR ENGINE COMPONENTS. AFTER A SUCCESSFUL RUN-UP, THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED THE AIRFIELD. DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AT ABOUT 100' AGL, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH AND THEN LOST TOTAL POWER. A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE TO A WET, MUDDY AREA. THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP IN THE MUDDY AREA. AN EXAMINATION BY AN FAA INSPECTOR DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE'S NUMBER 3 INTAKE VALVE FAILED. THE MODE OF FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE NUMBER 3 INTAKE VALVE RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. A FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING THE AIRCRAFT.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE AIRPLANE WAS BEING FLOWN FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE REPLACEMENT OF SEVERAL MAJOR ENGINE COMPONENTS. AFTER A SUCCESSFUL RUN-UP, THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED THE AIRFIELD. DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AT ABOUT 100' AGL, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH AND THEN LOST TOTAL POWER. A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE TO A WET, MUDDY AREA. THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP IN THE MUDDY AREA. AN EXAMINATION BY AN FAA INSPECTOR DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE'S NUMBER 3 INTAKE VALVE FAILED. THE MODE OF FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:45 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN2520U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDonald Landen
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 62 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 55
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:35
Weather SourceWFAC