Incident Overview
A pilot reported to Tallahassee Approach Control that the airplane's engine was running rough. Shortly thereafter, the pilot reported a total loss of engine power and declared an emergency. The pilot later stated that he was high on approach, landed long, and rolled off the departure end of the runway. The airplane subsequently collided with a fence and a telephone booth.
Engine Examination
Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted an examination of the engine. The examination revealed that the number two cylinder had failed due to the exhaust valve head separating from the exhaust valve stem.
Sequence of Events
The pilot initially contacted approach control with a report of engine roughness. This was followed by a report of complete power loss and an emergency declaration. The pilot's landing was described as high and long, resulting in the airplane overrunning the runway. The collision with the fence and telephone booth occurred after the airplane departed the paved surface.
Investigation Findings
The FAA's examination identified the specific failure mode of the number two cylinder. The separation of the exhaust valve head from its stem was the mechanical anomaly found in the engine. No other contributing factors were detailed in the available information.