PIPER PA-28-180
Show Low, AZ — October 21, 2020
Event Information
| Date | October 21, 2020 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR21LA020 |
| Event ID | 20201022102177 |
| Location | Show Low, AZ |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.26547, -110.00566 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-28-180 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
A partial loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 4 cylinder exhaust valve.
Full Narrative
On October 21, 2020, about 1117 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-180 airplane, N7405W, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Show Low, Arizona. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot reported that, while in cruise flight about 8,000 ft mean sea level, there was a loud bang followed by severe engine vibration and the engine lost partial power. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot; however, the engine continued to produce about 1,600 to 1,700 rpm. The pilot declared an emergency and performed a forced landing to a highway, during which the airplane’s right wing impacted a barbed wire fence.
Examination of the engine revealed a stuck exhaust valve on the No. 4 cylinder. The exhaust valve head had separated from the valve stem. The loose valve head was found in the cylinder’s combustion chamber; the combustion chamber and piston dome exhibited damage consistent with repeated contact with the valve head.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.