On September 7, 2001, a DE Havilland DHC-3 (registration N254AW) was involved in an aviation accident near Cordova, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power during cruise due to the fracture of an engine cylinder exhaust valve. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot with eight passengers experienced an engine failure in cruise flight, leading to a forced landing in marshy terrain. The aircraft nosed over, sustaining substantial damage.
Incident Summary
A certificated commercial pilot was in cruise flight with eight passengers on board when a loud bang was heard. The engine began to run rough and lose power. While the pilot performed engine emergency procedures, smoke was detected in the cabin and oil pressure decreased rapidly.
Forced Landing and Damage
The pilot executed a forced landing in a marshy, muskeg-covered area. During the landing, the airplane nosed over. Substantial damage was sustained to the right wing strut, engine firewall, and empennage.
Post-Incident Examination
Following the incident, the engine was disassembled for examination. The exhaust valve within the number one cylinder was found fractured.