On March 26, 1994, a Cessna 172RG (registration N9781B) was involved in an aviation accident near Boca Raton, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the aircraft operator to comply with engine manufacturers service bulletins which resulted in improper inspection of exhaust valves and subsequent sticking of the no. 4 exhaust valve. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced partial engine power loss during climb after takeoff, leading to a forced landing in a wooded area. Postcrash examination revealed a stuck exhaust valve and bent pushrod.
Accident Details
During the climb after takeoff, the aircraft's engine lost partial power. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot executed a forced landing in a wooded area.
Engine Examination
A postcrash examination of the engine revealed that the No. 4 exhaust valve had stuck, and the exhaust valve pushrod was bent. No other engine malfunctions were noted.
Service Bulletin Compliance
Textron Lycoming Engines issued mandatory service bulletin 388B on May 13, 1992, requiring the testing of exhaust valve clearances every 400 flight hours. Review of the aircraft's logbook (registration N9781B) showed no entries indicating compliance with this service bulletin.
What happened in the 26 Mar 1994 Cessna 172RG accident near Boca Raton, FL?
An aircraft experienced partial engine power loss during climb after takeoff, leading to a forced landing in a wooded area. Postcrash examination revealed a stuck exhaust valve and bent pushrod.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Mar 1994 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N9781B, at Boca Raton, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The failure of the aircraft operator to comply with engine manufacturers service bulletins which resulted in improper inspection of exhaust valves and subsequent sticking of the no. 4 exhaust valve.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…