# NTSB investigations: Recip eng cyl section

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 8 · 373 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN25LA322](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA322.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Joliet, IL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 14, 2025 · N476SM · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the No. 2 cylinder exhaust valve, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA25FA230](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA230.md): Mooney M20F · Beverly, MA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 19, 2025 · N9573M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering to return to the airport which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the improperly installed No. 2 cylinder bottom spark plug by maintenance personnel,…
- [NTSB CEN25LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA093.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Spearman, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 7, 2025 · N7191B · Substantial damage
  > Improperly torqued intake manifold bolts that allowed unmetered air to enter the engine, resulting in an overly lean fuel-air mixture, eventual failure of the No. 3 cylinder intake valve, and a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR25LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA030.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Prescott Valley, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 31, 2024 · N154DC · Substantial damage
  > Separation of the No. 3 engine cylinder due to a loss of torque on the cylinder base nuts, which resulted in a loss of engine power and in-flight fire. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s failure to ensure the engine case and cylinder…
- [NTSB ERA24LA392](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA392.md): Piper PA28 · LaGrange, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 23, 2024 · N4298V · Substantial damage
  > Improper manufacture of a cylinder exhaust valve guide by the engine manufacturer, which resulted in a stuck exhaust valve and a partial loss of engine power during initial climb.
- [NTSB CEN24LA354](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA354.md): Cessna 170A · Marshall, IN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 11, 2024 · N1249D · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue fracture of the No. 6 piston connecting rod, which resulted in a loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN24LA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA317.md): Vans RV8 · Guthrie, OK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 15, 2024 · N184DC · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to the separation and ingestion of an air filter retaining bracket into the engine cylinder.
- [NTSB ERA24LA299](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA299.md): Bellanca 8GCBC · Frankford, DE · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 4, 2024 · N749SK · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power resulting from cylinder detonation and a cracked spark plug, which resulted in a forced landing and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR24LA229](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA229.md): Cessna 172N · San Diego, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 2, 2024 · N74C · Substantial damage
  > A failure of the No. 2 cylinder due to fatigue cracking as the result of an undersized fillet radius around the edge of the cylinder head dome.
- [NTSB ANC24LA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24LA057.md): Dehavilland-Kenmore DHC-2 · Juneau, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 28, 2024 · N590DB · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power during initial climb due to a cracked cylinder.
- [NTSB ERA24LA271](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA271.md): Cessna 172 · Hernando, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 21, 2024 · N734XT · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation of a cylinder rocker stud by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing.
- [NTSB WPR24LA210](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA210.md): Lancair LC42-550FG · Humboldt Bay, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 20, 2024 · N141PB · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s incorrect installation of an engine rocker cover gasket, which resulted in oil exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power during the initial climb.
- [NTSB WPR24LA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA198.md): Warren B Cox COX Breezy · Albuquerque, NM · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 13, 2024 · N409WC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering for landing following a partial loss of engine power after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was maintenance…
- [NTSB WPR24LA194](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA194.md): Cessna 150M · Roll, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 11, 2024 · N3156V · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the No. 2 intake valve due to inadequate seating, which resulted from valve guide-to-seat misalignment and associated wear.
- [NTSB ERA24LA239](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA239.md): Cessna 150 · San Juan, PR · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 1, 2024 · N6198K · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 2 cylinder rocker shaft bosses from fatigue cracking.
- [NTSB ERA24LA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA222.md): Cessna 177 · Selma, AL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 19, 2024 · N3268T · Substantial damage
  > Insufficient lubrication of the engine’s internal components, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA24LA190](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA190.md): Beech B24R · Lumberton Township, NJ · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 22, 2024 · N53EM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot/owner’s failure to ensure adequate maintenance of the airplane, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during takeoff.
- [NTSB ANC24LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24LA027.md): Piper PA-28-151 · Marana, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 19, 2024 · N4399X · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to a failure of the No. 4 cylinder piston boss.
- [NTSB ERA24FA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA160.md): Arthur B Canning Merlin Lite · Mulberry, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 2, 2024 · N622PC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot/builder’s modifications of the motorglider’s engine, which resulted in an excessively lean fuel air mixture, preignition, piston failure, and a subsequent total loss of engine power during the initial climb. Contributing to the outcome was the…
- [NTSB CEN24LA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA121.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Watertown, SD · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 25, 2024 · N38696 · Substantial damage
  > The stuck No. 2 cylinder exhaust valve, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and a forced landing due to an undersized exhaust valve guide. Contributing to the accident were the improper manufacture of the engine cylinders, and the operation of…
- [NTSB CEN24LA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA120.md): Pulsar I · Patterson, LA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 25, 2024 · N72BH · Destroyed
  > The non-certificated pilot’s decision to operate an unairworthy engine, which led to cylinder failure and a loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR24LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA076.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Colorado City, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 13, 2024 · N2886X · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 2 piston pin plug, which resulted in oil starvation and subsequent failure of the No. 3 connecting rod. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate engine inspections by maintenance personnel.
- [NTSB CEN24LA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA079.md): Cirrus Design SR22T · Davenport, IA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 31, 2023 · N773GB · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of the No. 5 cylinder head, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the maintenance which did not fully blend to the depth necessary to preclude the failure.
- [NTSB CEN24LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA036.md): Textron 172S · Erie, CO · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 9, 2023 · N1817E · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power while maneuvering at a low altitude due to a stuck exhaust valve.
- [NTSB ERA24LA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA018.md): Roth Frank Ronald Avid Aircraft · Knoxville, TN · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 22, 2023 · N246ML · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to a seized piston in the power take-off cylinder.
- [NTSB WPR23LA352](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA352.md): Wayne Toddun Sling 4 TSI · San Pedro, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 25, 2023 · N135WT · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to a failure of the No. 4 cylinder exhaust valve from overheating and excessive wear.
- [NTSB ERA23LA372](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA372.md): Cessna 182P · Prospect, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 14, 2023 · N8443M · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the No. 6 cylinder exhaust valve rocker boss.
- [NTSB CEN23LA370](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA370.md): Piper PA31 · Durant, OK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 21, 2023 · N3589X · Substantial damage
  > The loosening of a connecting rod cap nut for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in a mechanical failure of the engine and an in-flight fire.
- [NTSB ERA23LA324](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA324.md): Jamros Robert L JR Challenger II · Port Orange, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 4, 2023 · N906WV · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to an out-of-temperature seizure of the PTO cylinder.
- [NTSB ANC23LA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23LA051.md): Stinson 108 · Ninilchik, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 13, 2023 · N97719 · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to failure of the No. 1 cylinder intake valve head.
- [NTSB ERA23LA297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA297.md): Cessna 150L · Elberton, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 12, 2023 · N16071 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to take off with a known engine issue, which resulted in a partial loss of power on the initial climb due to the No. 1 cylinder’s exhaust valve becoming stuck. Contributing to the outcome, was the pilot’s delay in aborting the takeoff.
- [NTSB WPR23FA256](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA256.md): Cessna 182N · St Maries, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 6, 2023 · N703Z · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 3 exhaust valve for reasons that could not be determined. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane after the loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA23FA265](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA265.md): Beech B35 · Orangeburg, SC · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 10, 2023 · N8725A · Destroyed
  > A stuck No. 3 cylinder intake valve, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing.
- [NTSB ERA23LA264](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA264.md): Piper PA28 · Lancaster, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 21, 2023 · N9139J · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of an exhaust valve, resulting in a partial loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR23LA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA196.md): Cessna 172H · Seattle, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 19, 2023 · N2550L · Substantial damage
  > A stuck exhaust valve that resulted in a partial loss of engine power and a forced water ditching.
- [NTSB CEN23LA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA188.md): Cessna 172 · Flower Mound, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 17, 2023 · N5550J · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of the rocker arm which resulted in a partial loss of engine power. Contributing was the airplane operator’s failure to inspect the rocker arm in accordance with the engine manufacturer’s service bulletin.
- [NTSB WPR23LA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA175.md): Cessna P337H · Laurel, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 3, 2023 · N62PC · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power to the rear engine resulting from cylinder detonation for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a forced landing and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA23LA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA197.md): Cessna 177RG · Crestview, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 14, 2023 · N7542V · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to the loosening and separation of the No. 1 connecting rod cap nuts in flight, resulting in catastrophic internal engine damage. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/owner’s failure to comply with the engine…
- [NTSB ERA23FA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA113.md): Beech A36 · North Castle, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 19, 2023 · N19MT · Substantial damage
  > The pre-ignition/detonation damage to the No. 4 piston for reasons that could not be determined, which allowed the crankcase to become pressurized and resulted in oil exhaustion and subsequent catastrophic internal engine failure.
- [NTSB ERA23LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA073.md): Childs Michael A Rotorway Exec 162-F · Titusville, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 27, 2022 · N8006A · Substantial damage
  > A failure of the No. 4 exhaust valve spring retainer, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN23LA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA040.md): Cessna 150L · Cypress, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 20, 2022 · N10612 · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the engine exhaust valve during cruise flight, which resulted in a loss of engine power and a forced landing.
- [NTSB WPR23LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA031.md): Cessna 150G · Star Valley, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 11, 2022 · N3131J · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the No. 1 cylinder exhaust or intake valve which resulted in the partial loss of engine power and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN23LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA027.md): Cessna R172E · Aguilar, CO · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 5, 2022 · N6051U · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the engine cylinder assembly, which resulted in a loss of engine power during cruise flight and an impact with a fence during the forced landing.
- [NTSB ERA23LA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA034.md): Cessna A185E · York, PA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 22, 2022 · N36ZN · Substantial damage
  > Oil starvation of the number 1 connecting rod bearings, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR23LA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA016.md): Quickie Q2 · Laramie, WY · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 14, 2022 · C-GDHK · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power due to the seizure of the No. 1 cylinder exhaust valve in the valve guide.
- [NTSB WPR22LA363](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA363.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Cedar City, UT · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 30, 2022 · N297SU · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to a damaged cylinder intake valve and subsequent collision with terrain during an autorotation.
- [NTSB WPR22LA351](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA351.md): Cessna 172L · Ventura, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 16, 2022 · N7917G · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to the fatigue fracture of the No. 4 exhaust valve.
- [NTSB ERA22FA418](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA418.md): Piper PA32 · Afton, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 15, 2022 · N2104J · Destroyed
  > A catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation, which resulted in a total loss of engine power at night over mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB ERA22LA412](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA412.md): Engineering & Research 415-C · Galion, OH · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 9, 2022 · N99209 · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to an exhaust valve that was stuck in the open position.
- [NTSB CEN22LA413](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA413.md): Piper PA32RT · Bulverde, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 9, 2022 · N31981 · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power due to excessive carbon deposits that resulted in one or more stuck exhaust valves.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058530/cases.md?page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '01058530'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058530/cases

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