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Engine Roughness Leads to Emergency Landing After Overshoot (N6873M)

Troy, MI, US

On September 16, 1990, a Cessna 182 (registration N6873M) operated by Kurvi, Paavo E. was involved in an aviation accident near Troy, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the rocker arm bosses on the #2 cylinder, resulting in a partial loss of engine power and roughness. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced engine sputtering shortly after takeoff, attempted to return but overshot the airport, and conducted an emergency landing in a field, resulting in substantial aircraft damage. Investigation revealed failure of rocker arm bosses on #2 cylinder.

Accident Details

Shortly after takeoff during the initial climb, the pilot reported that the engine began to sputter and run rough. The pilot initiated a turn to return to the airport for landing, but the aircraft was too high and fast, causing it to overshoot the runway. An emergency landing was subsequently attempted in a nearby field. The landing resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.

Investigation Findings

Post-accident examination of the engine revealed that the rocker arm bosses on the number two cylinder had failed. This failure caused a partial loss of engine power and contributed to the engine roughness experienced by the pilot.

Conclusion

The accident sequence was initiated by a mechanical failure of the rocker arm bosses, which led to the partial power loss and subsequent emergency landing.

Probable cause

Failure of the rocker arm bosses on the #2 cylinder, resulting in a partial loss of engine power and roughness.
Engine failure

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 182 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Sept 1990 Cessna 182 accident near Troy, MI?

A pilot experienced engine sputtering shortly after takeoff, attempted to return but overshot the airport, and conducted an emergency landing in a field, resulting in substantial aircraft damage. Investigation revealed failure of rocker arm bosses on #2 cylinder.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Sept 1990 involved a Cessna 182, registration N6873M, operated by Kurvi, Paavo E., at Troy, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the rocker arm bosses on the #2 cylinder, resulting in a partial loss of engine power and roughness.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24227. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.