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Exhaust Valve Failure Leads to Downwind Landing and Runway Overrun During Training Flight (N46748)

Bullard, TX, US

On April 23, 1996, a Cessna 152 (registration N46748) was involved in an aviation accident near Bullard, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of an engine exhaust valve, which resulted in a loss of engine power, a forced landing, and subsequent damage to the airplane. Factors relating to the accident were: the tailwind, and the wet grass runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a dual instructional flight, engine power loss at 600 feet AGL prompted an instructor to land downwind on a grass runway. The aircraft overran, went through fences, and nosed over inverted. Examination revealed an exhaust valve failure.

Event Summary

A dual instructional flight experienced an engine power loss while the aircraft was at an altitude of 600 feet above ground level (AGL) on the downwind leg for landing on runway 30. The flight instructor, who was providing training, decided to land downwind on runway 12, a 2,700-foot grass strip.

Landing and Overrun

The aircraft touched down on the wet grass runway beyond the midfield point. Due to the moisture on the grass, braking effectiveness was minimal. The aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway length, resulting in an overrun beyond the runway end. It subsequently traversed two fences and nosed over, coming to rest in an inverted position.

Engine Examination

A post-incident examination of the engine revealed that an exhaust valve had failed. The inspection focused on the powerplant and identified the valve failure as a finding.

Engine failure

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Apr 1996 Cessna 152 accident near Bullard, TX?

During a dual instructional flight, engine power loss at 600 feet AGL prompted an instructor to land downwind on a grass runway. The aircraft overran, went through fences, and nosed over inverted. Examination revealed an exhaust valve failure.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Apr 1996 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Apr 1996 involved a Cessna 152, registration N46748, at Bullard, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of an engine exhaust valve, which resulted in a loss of engine power, a forced landing, and subsequent damage to the airplane. Factors relating to the accident were: the tailwind, and the wet grass runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05566. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.