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Casualties unknown

Engine Failure and Forced Landing Result in Nose-Over (N4823V)

Waco, TX, US

On March 24, 2001, a Cessna 172RG (registration N4823V) was involved in an aviation accident near Waco, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the number four cylinder exhaust valve which resulted in a total loss of engine power during cruise. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

During cruise, an engine began vibrating excessively and lost power. The engine later quit and locked up, forcing a landing in a field. The aircraft struck a fence and ditch, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. Post-accident examination found a separated exhaust valve.

Accident Details

While in cruise flight, the engine began to vibrate excessively and could not produce sufficient power to maintain altitude. Approximately 5 miles from an alternate airport, the engine quit completely and locked up. The pilot executed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane touched down in the field, struck a fence and a ditch, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.

Engine Examination

Post-accident examination of the engine revealed that the number four exhaust valve had separated from its stem. The valve was found wedged in the spark plug hole. Additionally, the number four exhaust valve push-rod and push-rod tube were bent aft at the cam follower end.

Maintenance History

According to engine maintenance records, the engine had undergone a field overhaul on June 22, 1999. At the time of the accident, the engine had accumulated approximately 450 flight hours since that overhaul.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Mar 2001 Cessna 172RG accident near Waco, TX?

During cruise, an engine began vibrating excessively and lost power. The engine later quit and locked up, forcing a landing in a field. The aircraft struck a fence and ditch, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. Post-accident examination found a separated exhaust valve.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Mar 2001 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N4823V, at Waco, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the failure of the number four cylinder exhaust valve which resulted in a total loss of engine power during cruise. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010330X00672. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.