Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE NO.1 VALVE SPRING THAT JAMMED THE INTAKE VALVE OPEN RESULTING IN PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On December 31, 1994, about 1820 eastern standard time, N4300S, a Piper PA-28-161, registered to Air Orlando Sales Inc., crashed in Lakeland, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial pilot and one passenger received no injuries. The flight originated from the Lakeland Airport about 15 minutes earlier.
The pilot noted a loss of engine power and initiated a forced landing to the median of an interstate highway. The airplane struck wires on approach. Examination by the FAA revealed the No. 1 cylinder outer intake valve spring failed. Further examination of the spring revealed failure signatures consistent with fatigue.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA95LA051