On June 15, 1991, a Piper PA-12 (registration N2GV) operated by Sky Signs, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Conway, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the #2 exhaust valve, which resulted in a complete loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A banner tow pilot experienced a gradual loss of engine power while cruising at 1,000 ft AGL near a golf course. After complete power loss, the pilot released the banner and landed on a fairway, coming to rest in a wooded area. Investigation revealed a failed #2 exhaust valve.
Incident Overview
A banner tow pilot was cruising adjacent to a local golf course at an altitude of 1,000 feet above ground level when he experienced a gradual loss of engine power. The power loss progressed to a complete loss of engine power. Attempts to regain full power and restart the engine were unsuccessful.
Emergency Maneuver
The pilot maneuvered the airplane into position for an approach to a fairway and released the banner. The airplane came to rest approximately 15 feet off the departure end of the fairway in a wooded area.
Investigation Findings
Subsequent examinations of the airplane revealed that the #2 exhaust valve had failed. The engine was last overhauled 2,556 hours prior to the accident. The exhaust valve's time in service was not determined.
Probable cause
The failure of the #2 exhaust valve, which resulted in a complete loss of engine power.
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