N8878E - 1977 Aircraft Aircraft Registration

A stuck exhaust valve, which resulted in a total loss of engine power at low altitude. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s decision to fly at a low altitude, which reduced his forced landing options when the loss of engine power occurred; and poor long-term engine maintenance, which resulted in the buildup of combustion by-products on exhaust valve parts. Contributing to the pilot’s poor aeronautical decision-making was his underlying attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.