Incident Details
The accident occurred during the initial climb from Runway 32, a 1,659-foot-long, 45-foot-wide asphalt runway. At approximately 1,000 feet above ground level, the airplane engine began to run rough. The pilot initiated a 180-degree left turn back toward Runway 14 and reduced engine power to approximately 2,000 rpm, which diminished the engine vibration.
The airplane approached Runway 14 at a higher than normal speed and touched down within the first half of the runway. After touchdown, the airplane bounced and floated past the midpoint of the runway. With insufficient runway remaining to stop, the pilot elected to abort the landing and initiated a climb.
During the initial climb from Runway 14, the airplane struck trees and subsequently landed in a field off the departure end of the runway.
Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the number four cylinder exhaust valve was stuck in the closed position. The airplane had accumulated 8 hours of operation since the last annual inspection, which had been performed approximately 9 months prior to the accident. The reported wind at an airport about 10 miles east of the accident site, at about the time of the accident, was from 340 degrees at 5 knots.