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Engine Failure Leads to Ditching After Exhaust Valve Failure (N4480F)

Jupiter, FL, US

On December 12, 1990, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N4480F) operated by Zimmerman, Barry L. was involved in an aviation accident near Jupiter, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The No.2 cylinder exhaust valve failed due to a worn valve guide. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

During cruise flight offshore, the pilot heard a knocking sound and the engine lost power, leading to a ditching. Examination revealed the No.2 cylinder exhaust valve failed due to a worn valve guide.

Narrative

During cruise flight approximately half a mile offshore at an altitude of 500 feet, the pilot reported hearing a knocking sound followed by a loss of engine power. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot performed a ditching maneuver. The aircraft was subsequently recovered from the water, and the engine was removed for further examination.

Examination

Examination of the engine revealed that the No.2 cylinder exhaust valve had failed due to a worn valve guide. The internal diameter of the valve guide measured 0.539 inches at the top and 0.563 inches at the bottom. Factory specifications for the valve guide internal diameter are between 0.4985 and 0.4995 inches, indicating significant wear beyond acceptable limits. The engine logbooks were not recovered as they were inside the aircraft at the time of the accident.

Probable cause

The No.2 cylinder exhaust valve failed due to a worn valve guide.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Dec 1990 Piper PA-28-151 accident near Jupiter, FL?

During cruise flight offshore, the pilot heard a knocking sound and the engine lost power, leading to a ditching. Examination revealed the No.2 cylinder exhaust valve failed due to a worn valve guide.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Dec 1990 Piper PA-28-151 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Dec 1990 involved a Piper PA-28-151, registration N4480F, operated by Zimmerman, Barry L., at Jupiter, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The No.2 cylinder exhaust valve failed due to a worn valve guide.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24789. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.