On August 29, 1983, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N4633Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Falkland, NC. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported shaking and power loss during a pull-up. Despite full throttle, total power loss occurred. The aircraft collided with trees during forced landing. Examination found a failed exhaust valve.
Incident Details
The pilot reported that the incident began when he initiated a pull-up from a swath run. At that point, the aircraft started shaking and experiencing a loss of engine power. In response, the pilot advanced the throttle to its full setting and continued climbing. This action enabled the aircraft to maintain its altitude for a brief duration. However, the engine then experienced a total power loss. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees during the forced landing that was undertaken.
Engine Examination
An examination of the engine after the accident revealed that the #2 exhaust valve (part number 75068) had failed. The engine had accumulated 1,474 flight hours since its most recent overhaul.