On October 20, 1976, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration N61436) operated by Skyline Aviation (USA) was involved in an aviation accident near Hampton, United States of America during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine's number five cylinder exhaust valve failed to seat properly, causing structural failure and an uncontrolled descent. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A scheduled flight from Washington DC crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Hampton following a right engine failure during its descent.
What happened
During an approach to Newport News-Williamsburg Airport, a scheduled flight originating from Washington DC experienced a mechanical failure in the right engine. As the aircraft was descending, the loss of power led to a loss of control, causing the plane to enter a steep dive. The aircraft type impacted the water approximately 12.5 miles southeast of the airport near Hampton. The accident resulted in four fatalities, though the remains of the co-pilot were never found.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified that the right engine suffered a structural failure involving valve assemblies. Specifically, the exhaust valve in the number five cylinder failed to seat properly. This mechanical issue was compounded by the failure of an alternator bracket within the right engine. These technical malfunctions led to an uncontrolled descent during the initial approach phase. Additional contributing factors included issues with the electrical system's generators and alternators, as well as the crew's diverted attention from flight operations. The aircraft ultimately came to rest in the sea.
Probable cause
The engine's number five cylinder exhaust valve failed to seat properly, causing structural failure and an uncontrolled descent.