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Casualties unknown

Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss Due to Exhaust Valve Failure (N6191N)

Hayesville, NC, US

On January 20, 1994, a Cessna T210N (registration N6191N) was involved in an aviation accident near Hayesville, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FATIGUE FAILURE OF NO. 2 EXHAUST VALVE WHICH RESULTED FROM EXCESSIVE HEAT AND WEAR TO THE VALVE STEM. A FACTOR WAS THE DARK NIGHT. 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

A pilot reported a complete loss of engine power 30 minutes into flight. A forced landing in an open field followed. Investigation found the number two exhaust valve failed due to fatigue, with evidence of high-temperature degradation and after-market part use.

Event

Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the pilot reported a complete loss of engine power. While maneuvering for an emergency landing to a public road, the pilot spotted an open field and completed a forced landing.

Examination

Subsequent examination of the engine assembly disclosed that the number two exhaust valve had failed in fatigue at the radius between the valve stem and the valve head.

Metallurgical Findings

Metallurgical examination revealed a decrease in the hardness of the head end of the valve, loss of the chromium plating over much of the length of the valve stem, and excessive wear of the center portion of the valve stem. The valve stem was darkly colored, normally associated with high temperatures, over one half the length of the valve stem. The part number stamped on the exhaust valve corresponded to an after-market supplier's number.

Structural failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Jan 1994 Cessna T210N accident near Hayesville, NC?

A pilot reported a complete loss of engine power 30 minutes into flight. A forced landing in an open field followed. Investigation found the number two exhaust valve failed due to fatigue, with evidence of high-temperature degradation and after-market part use.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Jan 1994 involved a Cessna T210N, registration N6191N, at Hayesville, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FATIGUE FAILURE OF NO. 2 EXHAUST VALVE WHICH RESULTED FROM EXCESSIVE HEAT AND WEAR TO THE VALVE STEM. A FACTOR WAS THE DARK NIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00584. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.