On June 13, 1992, a Cessna 172 (registration N8014L) operated by Kellison, Norman L. & Virginia was involved in an aviation accident near Blythe, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE IMPROPER ENGINE OVERHAUL PERFORMED BY THE MECHANIC. FACTORS RELATING TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE THE INTAKE AND EXHAUST VALVE LEAKS AND THE SOFT TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An airplane experienced an engine failure on the downwind leg. The pilot landed in adjacent soft terrain, where the nose wheel sank and the airplane nosed over. Post-incident examination revealed that two cylinders had no compression due to incorrectly ground valve seats.
Incident Sequence
The airplane was on the downwind leg when its engine stopped producing power. With insufficient altitude to reach the runway, the pilot performed a landing in the adjacent soft terrain. Upon touchdown, the nose wheel sank into the soft ground, causing the airplane to nose over.
Post-Incident Examination
The engine had recently undergone an overhaul. Examination after the incident disclosed that the number 2 and number 4 cylinders exhibited no compression. Further inspection revealed that the valves in those cylinders would not fit their respective valve seats. The valve seats had been ground too deep, preventing proper sealing.
What happened in the 13 Jun 1992 Cessna 172 accident near Blythe, CA?
An airplane experienced an engine failure on the downwind leg. The pilot landed in adjacent soft terrain, where the nose wheel sank and the airplane nosed over. Post-incident examination revealed that two cylinders had no compression due to incorrectly ground valve seats.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Jun 1992 involved a Cessna 172, registration N8014L, operated by Kellison, Norman L. & Virginia, at Blythe, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE IMPROPER ENGINE OVERHAUL PERFORMED BY THE MECHANIC. FACTORS RELATING TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE THE INTAKE AND EXHAUST VALVE LEAKS AND THE SOFT TERRAIN.
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