On October 3, 1996, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N5705U) was involved in an aviation accident near Plymouth, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the #3 exhaust valve, which resulted in loss of engine power, a forced landing, and subsequent collision with a fence post. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During flight, the pilot experienced severe engine vibration, drops in rpm, EGT, oil pressure, and power. After smoke appeared in the cockpit, a forced landing was executed. During landing, the right wing struck a fence post. Inspection revealed foreign object ingestion in the #3 cylinder and a fractured exhaust valve with peened surfaces.
Flight Events
During flight, the pilot noted a severe engine vibration. The pilot also observed a drop in engine rpm, exhaust gas temperature (EGT), and engine oil pressure, accompanied by a loss of power. The engine rpm and oil pressure continued to decrease, and the pilot was unable to maintain altitude. Subsequently, the pilot noted smoke in the cockpit, which prompted a decision to make a forced landing.
Landing
During the landing, the right wing struck a fence post.
Post-Accident Inspection
An inspection revealed that the #3 cylinder had ingested portions of the #3 exhaust valve. The exhaust valve fracture surfaces were peened.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Oct 1996 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Plymouth, CA?
During flight, the pilot experienced severe engine vibration, drops in rpm, EGT, oil pressure, and power. After smoke appeared in the cockpit, a forced landing was executed. During landing, the right wing struck a fence post. Inspection revealed foreign object ingestion in the #3 cylinder and a fractured exhaust…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Oct 1996 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N5705U, at Plymouth, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
failure of the #3 exhaust valve, which resulted in loss of engine power, a forced landing, and subsequent collision with a fence post.