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NTSB Report
September 29, 1991 · Davis D1K · N158Y
Chester, CT
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 29, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Chester, CT
Aircraft
Davis D1K
Tail Number
N158Y
Operator
Richard S Patenaude
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC91LA249
THE PILOT DEPARTED WITH A GLIDER IN TOW AND LOST POWER. HE CUT AWAY THE GLIDER WHICH LANDED WITH MINOR DAMAGE AND LANDED THE AIRPLANE IN A WOODED AREA. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED IT WAS BEING OPERATED WITH AUTO GAS WITHOUT AN STC. A COMPRESSION CHECK THAT MEETS FAA SPECIFICATIONS HAD NOT BEEN CONDUCTED ON THE ENGINE SINCE 1963, AND CARBON LIKE COMBUSTION DEPOSITS HAD BUILT UP ON THE EXHAUST VALVE IN THE NUMBER 3 CYLINDER, KEEPING THE EXHAUST VALVE FROM CLOSING. THE AIRPLANE AND ENGINE WERE 6 HOURS OUT OF AN ANNUAL INSPECTION.
NTSB Probable Cause
IMPROPER MAINTENANCE ON THE ENGINE WHICH RESULTED IN A POWER LOSS DUE TO A STUCK EXHAUST VALVE AND SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT DEPARTED WITH A GLIDER IN TOW AND LOST POWER. HE CUT AWAY THE GLIDER WHICH LANDED WITH MINOR DAMAGE AND LANDED THE AIRPLANE IN A WOODED AREA. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED IT WAS BEING OPERATED WITH AUTO GAS WITHOUT AN STC. A COMPRESSION CHECK THAT MEETS FAA SPECIFICATIONS HAD NOT BEEN CONDUCTED ON THE ENGINE SINCE 1963, AND CARBON LIKE COMBUSTION DEPOSITS HAD BUILT UP ON THE EXHAUST VALVE IN THE NUMBER 3 CYLINDER, KEEPING THE EXHAUST VALVE FROM CLOSING. THE AIRPLANE AND ENGINE WERE 6 HOURS OUT OF AN ANNUAL INSPECTION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 EDT
Nearest AirportCHESTER (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length2566 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftDavis D1K
Tail NumberN158Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRichard S Patenaude
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-125 · Reciprocating · 125
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 61 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT