On August 14, 1985, a Cessna 172P (registration N5259K) operated by Bridgeport Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Saint Helena, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a local personal flight, the pilot reported engine roughness and violent shaking. Unable to maintain altitude, an emergency landing was attempted in a field, but the aircraft overran and struck obstacles in a vineyard. Examination found stuck valves and a separated pushrod.
Accident Details
During a local personal flight, the pilot reported that the engine began to run rough and shake violently. The pilot stated that there was not enough power to maintain altitude, so an emergency landing was elected in a field. After touchdown, the aircraft overran the field and collided with ground obstructions in a vineyard. The aircraft sustained damage from the collision.
Engine Examination
Post-accident examination of the engine revealed stuck intake and exhaust valves in the number one cylinder. Additionally, the exhaust valve pushrod was found separated in the middle, with severe battering peening noted on the broken ends of the pushrod.
What happened in the 14 Aug 1985 Cessna 172P accident near Saint Helena, CA?
During a local personal flight, the pilot reported engine roughness and violent shaking. Unable to maintain altitude, an emergency landing was attempted in a field, but the aircraft overran and struck obstacles in a vineyard. Examination found stuck valves and a separated pushrod.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Aug 1985 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N5259K, operated by Bridgeport Flying Service, at Saint Helena, CA.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…