On February 20, 1998, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N3965K) was involved in an aviation accident near Graniteville, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the number three exhaust valve, which resulted in loss of engine power and a forced landing. Related factors were: the obstructions (earthen embankment and fence) in the emergency (forced) landing area. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot returning from maintenance experienced a loss of engine power during initial climb. Emergency procedures failed, and during the forced landing, the aircraft overflew the intended touchdown point and struck an earthen embankment and barbed-wire fence. Teardown revealed a broken exhaust valve.
Accident Details
A pilot was returning the aircraft to its home field after maintenance on the fuel system. During the initial climb following takeoff, the engine lost power. The pilot performed emergency procedures for loss of power but they were unsuccessful. The pilot then turned toward the nearest field. During the forced landing, the aircraft overshot the intended touchdown point and collided with an earthen embankment and a barbed-wire fence.
Engine Examination
A subsequent teardown examination of the engine by FAA personnel revealed a broken exhaust valve in the number three cylinder. According to an FAA report, approximately 30 percent of the valve face was missing. The previous annual inspection was completed on June 6, 1997. The flight time since engine overhaul was reported as 1,920.1 hours.
What happened in the 20 Feb 1998 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Graniteville, SC?
A pilot returning from maintenance experienced a loss of engine power during initial climb. Emergency procedures failed, and during the forced landing, the aircraft overflew the intended touchdown point and struck an earthen embankment and barbed-wire fence. Teardown revealed a broken exhaust valve.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Feb 1998 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N3965K, at Graniteville, SC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
failure of the number three exhaust valve, which resulted in loss of engine power and a forced landing. Related factors were: the obstructions (earthen embankment and fence) in the emergency (forced) landing area.
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