On November 16, 1992, a Cessna TU-206F (registration N51198) operated by Falcon Aerial was involved in an aviation accident near Clearlake, CA. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE EXHAUST VALVE FAILING DUE TO A COMPLETE FRACTURE WHICH RESULTED IN THE TOTAL LOSE OF ENGINE POWER. FACTORS IN THIS ACCIDENT WERE: 1) THE TERRAIN NOT BEING SUITABLE FOR A FORCED LANDING, AND 2) LOW AMBIENT LIGHT WHICH HAMPERED THE PILOT'S ABILITY TO SEE… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot and two passengers were on a VFR cross-country flight when the engine ran rough and then failed. The pilot declared an emergency and attempted a forced landing into hilly terrain, resulting in fatal injuries to the pilot and one passenger. Teardown revealed a broken exhaust valve stem.
Accident Summary
The pilot and two passengers were in cruise flight on a VFR cross-country trip when the airplane's engine suddenly began to run rough. The pilot, who was receiving flight following from an FAA center, declared an emergency and requested vectors to a nearby airport. Within approximately two minutes, the pilot reported that the engine had completely quit. The pilot entered a power-off forced landing and collided with hilly terrain. No suitable terrain was available for the forced landing, and lighting conditions were reported as 'dusk to dark.' The pilot and one of the passengers received fatal injuries.
Engine Examination
An off-site examination and teardown of the engine revealed that the number 5 cylinder exhaust valve stem had broken just above the valve head. The valve head fell into the cylinder, and the action of the piston caused a hole to be broken through the piston center crown structure. The valve head was found wedged between the crankcase structure and the crankshaft, preventing crankshaft rotation.
What happened in the 16 Nov 1992 Cessna TU-206F accident near Clearlake, CA?
A pilot and two passengers were on a VFR cross-country flight when the engine ran rough and then failed. The pilot declared an emergency and attempted a forced landing into hilly terrain, resulting in fatal injuries to the pilot and one passenger. Teardown revealed a broken exhaust valve stem.
Were there any fatalities in the 16 Nov 1992 Cessna TU-206F accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Nov 1992 involved a Cessna TU-206F, registration N51198, operated by Falcon Aerial, at Clearlake, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE EXHAUST VALVE FAILING DUE TO A COMPLETE FRACTURE WHICH RESULTED IN THE TOTAL LOSE OF ENGINE POWER. FACTORS IN THIS ACCIDENT WERE: 1) THE TERRAIN NOT BEING SUITABLE FOR A FORCED LANDING, AND 2) LOW AMBIENT LIGHT WHICH HAMPERED THE PILOT'S ABILITY TO SEE THE TERRAIN.
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