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NTSB Report
July 2, 1990 · Cessna 152 · N48418
Fullerton, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 2, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fullerton, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N48418
Operator
Aviation Facilities
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX90LA241
THE STUDENT SAID THAT WHILE FLYING TOWARD THE AIRPORT, THE ENGINE POWER OUTPUT SUDDENLY DROPPED AND VARIED BETWEEN 900 AND 1,400 RPM. THE POWER WAS INSUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN FLIGHT AND THE STUDENT SAID HE REALIZED HE COULD NOT MAKE THE AIRPORT. HE SAW A LEVEL DIRT ROAD AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE AND MADE A FORCED LANDING. THE AIRCRAFT CONTACTED GROUND OBSTACLES DURING THE LANDING ROLL AND NOSED OVER. TEARDOWN OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT ALL VALVES AND VALVE SEATS WERE WARPED, WITH EVIDENCE OF EXHAUST GASSES ENTERING THE INTAKE PORTS. THE ENGINE WAS REPORTEDLY AT TBO.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE WARPED CONDITION OF THE ENGINE VALVES AND VALVE SEATS DUE TO EXCESSIVE AND REPEATED THERMAL SHOCK CYCLES.
Full Narrative
THE STUDENT SAID THAT WHILE FLYING TOWARD THE AIRPORT, THE ENGINE POWER OUTPUT SUDDENLY DROPPED AND VARIED BETWEEN 900 AND 1,400 RPM. THE POWER WAS INSUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN FLIGHT AND THE STUDENT SAID HE REALIZED HE COULD NOT MAKE THE AIRPORT. HE SAW A LEVEL DIRT ROAD AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE AND MADE A FORCED LANDING. THE AIRCRAFT CONTACTED GROUND OBSTACLES DURING THE LANDING ROLL AND NOSED OVER. TEARDOWN OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT ALL VALVES AND VALVE SEATS WERE WARPED, WITH EVIDENCE OF EXHAUST GASSES ENTERING THE INTAKE PORTS. THE ENGINE WAS REPORTEDLY AT TBO.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:11 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN48418
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAviation Facilities
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 21 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 9 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO