On June 22, 1996, a Beech 23 (registration N2397J) was involved in an aviation accident near Fulton, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the inadequate intake valve springs on the #1 cylinder. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses observed abnormal black smoke after takeoff. The aircraft descended through trees and power lines. Postaccident inspection found compression loss in the #1 cylinder, darker manifold areas, and out-of-tolerance valve springs.
Accident Overview
Following takeoff, witnesses reported an abnormal amount of black smoke trailing from the aircraft. The airplane subsequently descended, impacting trees and power lines along its path.
Postaccident Investigation
During the postaccident examination, the engine's #1 cylinder was found to have no compression when checked. After manually prying back the intake valve of the #1 cylinder, compression was restored when the propeller was rotated. The intake and exhaust manifold areas of the #1 cylinder appeared darker in color compared to the other cylinders. Additionally, the valve springs in the #1 cylinder were found to be outside the tolerances specified by the manufacturer.
What happened in the 22 Jun 1996 Beech 23 accident near Fulton, MO?
Witnesses observed abnormal black smoke after takeoff. The aircraft descended through trees and power lines. Postaccident inspection found compression loss in the #1 cylinder, darker manifold areas, and out-of-tolerance valve springs.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Jun 1996 involved a Beech 23, registration N2397J, at Fulton, MO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the inadequate intake valve springs on the #1 cylinder.
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…