On July 26, 1986, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N7592W) was involved in an aviation accident near Fargo, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power due to a broken number three cylinder exhaust valve, with the specific cause of the valve failure undetermined. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft experienced engine roughness and power loss while descending to the destination airport, resulting in a landing short of the runway and collision with a perimeter fence.
What happened
The pilot reported that the flight was descending through an altitude of 7,000 feet while approaching the destination airport. During this phase of descent, the engine began to run roughly and subsequently lost power. The flight continued toward the airport, but the aircraft was unable to reach the runway. It landed approximately one-quarter mile short of the runway threshold. After touchdown, the aircraft collided with a fence.
The investigation
A mechanical examination involved the disassembly of the engine. This process revealed that the number three cylinder exhaust valve was broken. Some pieces of the broken valve were not found during the examination, and the nature of the failure was not determined.
Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to a broken number three cylinder exhaust valve, with the specific cause of the valve failure undetermined.
What happened in the 26 Jul 1986 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Fargo, ND?
An aircraft experienced engine roughness and power loss while descending to the destination airport, resulting in a landing short of the runway and collision with a perimeter fence.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Jul 1986 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N7592W, at Fargo, ND.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The loss of engine power due to a broken number three cylinder exhaust valve, with the specific cause of the valve failure undetermined.
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