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NTSB Report
August 29, 1990 · Ryan PT-22A · N5481L
Greenville, MI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 29, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Greenville, MI
Aircraft
Ryan PT-22A
Tail Number
N5481L
Operator
David R Stevens
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI90LA249
THE PILOT WAS IN CRUISE FLIGHT WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MISFIRE. WHEN HE REDUCED POWER TO IDLE, THE MISFIRING STOPPED, BUT WHEN HE ADVANCED THE THROTTLE TO CRUISE POWER THE ENGINE MISFIRED SEVERAL MORE TIMES AND THE NUMBER 1 CYLINDER DEPARTED THE ENGINE. THE PILOT EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING INTO A FIELD CONTAINING COR WHICH WAS 6-8 FEET HIGH. THE AIRCRAFT NOSED-OVER ON LANDING ROLL AND CAME TO REST INVERTED. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED EVIDENCE THAT THE NUMBER 1 CYLINDER WAS LOOSE PRIOR TO SEPARATION.
NTSB Probable Cause
SEPARATION OF A LOOSE CYLINDER ASSEMBLY IN FLIGHT, AND UNSUITABLE TERRAIN ENCOUNTERED DURING THE EXECUTION OF A FORCED LANDING.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS IN CRUISE FLIGHT WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MISFIRE. WHEN HE REDUCED POWER TO IDLE, THE MISFIRING STOPPED, BUT WHEN HE ADVANCED THE THROTTLE TO CRUISE POWER THE ENGINE MISFIRED SEVERAL MORE TIMES AND THE NUMBER 1 CYLINDER DEPARTED THE ENGINE. THE PILOT EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING INTO A FIELD CONTAINING COR WHICH WAS 6-8 FEET HIGH. THE AIRCRAFT NOSED-OVER ON LANDING ROLL AND CAME TO REST INVERTED. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED EVIDENCE THAT THE NUMBER 1 CYLINDER WAS LOOSE PRIOR TO SEPARATION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:50 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRyan PT-22A
Tail NumberN5481L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDavid R Stevens
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsKinner · R-55 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 45 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 7 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter0
Observation Time23:29
Weather SourceWFAC