PIPER PA32RT

Bulverde, TX — September 9, 2022

Event Information

DateSeptember 9, 2022
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberCEN22LA413
Event ID20220912105901
LocationBulverde, TX
CountryUSA
Coordinates29.75067, -98.45333
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakePIPER
ModelPA32RT
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None2
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The partial loss of engine power due to excessive carbon deposits that resulted in one or more stuck exhaust valves.

Full Narrative

On September 9, 2022, about 0750 central daylight time, a Piper PA32RT-300T airplane, N31981, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Bulverde, Texas. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
The pilot reported that during the takeoff from Bulverde Airpark (1TT8), Bulverde, Texas, the airplane did not accelerate as planned. The pilot reported that he was not going to be able to stop on the remaining runway, so he continued the takeoff in order to avoid contacting a fence and vehicles at the end of the runway. The airplane cleared powerlines, trees, and a school at the end of the runway, but was nearing a stall, so the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing the airplane collided with a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
Postaccident examination of the engine found excessive carbon deposits around the No. 4 cylinder exhaust valve. A large amount of carbon build up was found on the rocker arm, rocker shaft, and valve spring. The rotator cap also had carbon deposits and exhibited a groove wear pattern consistent with a lack of cap rotation. The exhaust valve guide had excessive wobble and movement within the guide. The No. 5 exhaust valve also displayed signatures of carbon buildup but not to the same extent as the No. 4.
No other anomalies were detected with the engine or airframe.

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.

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