On July 8, 1988, a Cessna 175A (registration N8059T) was involved in an aviation accident near Bloomington, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the number two exhaust valve. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced partial engine power loss at 150 feet after takeoff. The pilot attempted to return to the airport but made an emergency landing in a field, striking a tree. Investigation found a failed exhaust valve.
Incident
Shortly after takeoff, at approximately 150 feet above ground level, the aircraft experienced a partial loss of engine power. The pilot executed a 180-degree turn with the intention of returning to the airport. However, further power loss occurred, prompting the pilot to choose an emergency landing in a nearby field. During the landing, the right wingtip struck a tree, and the aircraft subsequently made a hard landing.
Investigation
Examination of the engine revealed that the number two exhaust valve had failed. Further investigation determined that the number two cylinder assembly had been replaced with a rebuilt assembly five weeks prior to the accident. That assembly had accumulated seven hours of operational time at the time of the incident.