Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN19LA233

Kingston, OK, USA

Aircraft #1

N8251L

Cessna 172

Analysis

The noncertificated pilot and two passengers were departing the airport for a local flight. On departure, the pilot noted that the airplane's engine did not produce full power and that the airplane would not climb as expected. The airplane collided with a sign and a vehicle before coming to rest on a golf course. Examination of the engine found that the No. 1 cylinder exhaust valve was stuck in the open position; no other anomalies were detected with the airframe and engine. It is likely that the reduced engine power was a result of the stuck exhaust valve, which would have severely limited the airplane's climb performance.

Factual Information

On July 22, 2019, about 1150 central daylight time, a Cessna 172 airplane, N8251L, collided with a vehicle and terrain near Kingston, Oklahoma. The pilot and 2 passengers were not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to information provided by the Federal Aviation Administration, the airplane had just departed the Lake Texoma Airport to the north. The pilot perceived a loss of engine power and the airplane would not climb as expected. The airplane collided with a road sign and then a truck traveling on a highway, before it continued onto a golf course north of the highway. The pilot was flying with an expired student pilot certificate. Examination of the engine found the No. 1 cylinder exhaust valve stuck in the open position. No other anomalies were detected with the airframe and engine. The pilot did not return the NTSB Accident Report Form 6120 and additional information is not available.

Probable Cause and Findings

The partial loss of engine power due to a stuck exhaust valve.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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