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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

October 21, 2020 · Piper PA-28-180 · N7405W

Show Low, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 21, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Show Low, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N7405W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR21LA020

The pilot reported that, while in cruise flight about 8,000 ft mean sea level, there was a loud bang followed by severe engine vibration and the engine lost partial power. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot; however, the engine continued to produce less than full power. The pilot declared an emergency and performed a forced landing to a highway, during which the airplane’s right wing impacted a barbed wire fence, resulting in substantial damage. Examination of the engine revealed a stuck exhaust valve on the No. 4 cylinder. The exhaust valve head had separated from the valve stem. The loose valve head was found in the cylinder’s combustion chamber; the combustion chamber and piston dome exhibited damage consistent with repeated contact with the valve head. The loss of engine power is consistent with the failure of the No. 4 cylinder exhaust valve; however, the reason for the valve failure could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB Probable Cause

A partial loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 4 cylinder exhaust valve.

Full Narrative

On October 21, 2020, about 1117 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-180 airplane, N7405W, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Show Low, Arizona. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that, while in cruise flight about 8,000 ft mean sea level, there was a loud bang followed by severe engine vibration and the engine lost partial power. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot; however, the engine continued to produce about 1,600 to 1,700 rpm. The pilot declared an emergency and performed a forced landing to a highway, during which the airplane’s right wing impacted a barbed wire fence. Examination of the engine revealed a stuck exhaust valve on the No. 4 cylinder. The exhaust valve head had separated from the valve stem. The loose valve head was found in the cylinder’s combustion chamber; the combustion chamber and piston dome exhibited damage consistent with repeated contact with the valve head.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:17 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN7405W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility9 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point14 C
Altimeter30.16 inHg
Observation Time11:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data