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NTSB Report
October 21, 1989 · Lake LA-4 · N1212L
Apalachicola, FL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 21, 1989
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Apalachicola, FL
Aircraft
Lake LA-4
Tail Number
N1212L
Operator
D Alemberte Talbot S
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA90LA016
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AT ABOUT 100' AGL, THE ENG LOST POWER. AN EMERG LNDG WAS THEN MADE IN A SWAMPY AREA & THE ACFT, WAS DAMAGED. AN EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT THE #1 EXHAUST VALVE PUSHROD WAS BENT. ACCORDING TO THE ENG MANUFACTURERTHIS RESULTED FROM A STICKING EXHAUST VALVE, WHICH ALLOWED THE PISTON TO CONTACT THE VALVE. THE VALVE STEM CAP HAD FAILED & LODGED BETWEEN THE ROCKER ARM AND THE OUTER VALVE SPRING ASSEMBLY.
NTSB Probable Cause
BINDING AND SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE #1 EXHAUST VALVE. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE SOFT/WET (SWAMPY) TERRAIN CONDITION IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA.
Full Narrative
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AT ABOUT 100' AGL, THE ENG LOST POWER. AN EMERG LNDG WAS THEN MADE IN A SWAMPY AREA & THE ACFT, WAS DAMAGED. AN EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT THE #1 EXHAUST VALVE PUSHROD WAS BENT. ACCORDING TO THE ENG MANUFACTURERTHIS RESULTED FROM A STICKING EXHAUST VALVE, WHICH ALLOWED THE PISTON TO CONTACT THE VALVE. THE VALVE STEM CAP HAD FAILED & LODGED BETWEEN THE ROCKER ARM AND THE OUTER VALVE SPRING ASSEMBLY.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftLake LA-4
Tail NumberN1212L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorD Alemberte Talbot S
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 56 · Unknown
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind360°
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO