On August 22, 2003, an Ercoupe 415-C (registration N3182H) operated by Robert Greenwade was involved in an aviation accident near Saint Johns, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A failed exhaust valve on the number two cylinder. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane lost engine power and executed a forced landing on a dirt road. After landing, it veered into a drainage ditch, collapsing the nose gear and nosing over. Examination revealed a failed exhaust valve on the number two cylinder.
Event Description
The airplane experienced a loss of engine power. Just before the pilot turned onto an extended final approach to the runway, the engine started hammering. The pilot was unable to increase engine power sufficiently to maintain level flight.
Forced Landing and Accident
The pilot executed a forced landing to a dirt road located one and a half miles east of the airport. Upon landing, the airplane veered off a curve in the road and entered a drainage ditch. The impact with the ditch collapsed the nose gear. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over on the opposite side of the ditch.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the engine revealed a failed exhaust valve on the number two cylinder.