PIPER J3C-65
Gosport, IN — August 6, 2021
Event Information
| Date | August 6, 2021 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN21LA359 |
| Event ID | 20210806103648 |
| Location | Gosport, IN |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.34891, -86.66797 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | J3C-65 |
| 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 |
Probable Cause
A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to the failure of a cylinder exhaust valve stem, which led to a forced landing during which the airplane impacted terrain.
Full Narrative
On August 5, 2021, about 2030 eastern daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N6269H, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Gosport, Indiana. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot stated that, during cruise flight, the airplane experienced “significant” vibration, which was followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field that caused the airplane to nose over and impact terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the rudder and cowling.
Postaccident examination of the airplane engine revealed that the No. 4 cylinder exhaust valve stem was broken at its base. The valve seat was turned sideways, and pieces of broken metal were found in the cylinder. The cylinder’s rockers and springs did not exhibit any failure.
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.