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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

August 31, 1990 · Piper J5 CUB · N38428

Douglas, MA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 31, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Douglas, MA
Aircraft
Piper J5 CUB
Tail Number
N38428
Operator
John D Bouchard
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC90LA208

THE AIRPLANE WAS AT 2000 FEET MSL CRUISE ALTITUDE WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED. THE PILOT LOOKED FOR SUITABLE TERRAIN TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING, BUT COULD FIND NONE. DURING THE LANDING THE RIGHT WING STRUCK A TREE. THE EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THE #3 EXHAUST VALVE FAILED CAUSING INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE.

NTSB Probable Cause

A TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE WHEN THE #3 EXHAUST VALVE FAILED, CAUSING INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT HAD TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

Full Narrative

THE AIRPLANE WAS AT 2000 FEET MSL CRUISE ALTITUDE WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED. THE PILOT LOOKED FOR SUITABLE TERRAIN TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING, BUT COULD FIND NONE. DURING THE LANDING THE RIGHT WING STRUCK A TREE. THE EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THE #3 EXHAUST VALVE FAILED CAUSING INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J5 CUB
Tail NumberN38428
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn D Bouchard
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85-12 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data