# NTSB investigations, 1990: Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf

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 2 · 74 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB FTW91FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91FA025.md): Piper PA28-181 · Olla, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 16, 1990 · N8460Q · Destroyed
  > The collapsed carburetor float and restricted movement of the fuel metering needle. Factors were the darknight, the unsuitable terrain, and the operator's maintenance personnel failure to inspect (repair) the engine.
- [NTSB DEN91LA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91LA025.md): Grumman AA1B · Roswell, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 1990 · N1638R · Substantial damage
  > Low cylinder compression and fouled spark plug.
- [NTSB MIA91LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91LA043.md): Piper PA-28-151 · Jupiter, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 12, 1990 · N4480F · Substantial damage
  > Partial loss of engine power due to failure of an exhaust valve, due to a valve guide that was worn beyond specifications.
- [NTSB LAX91FA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91FA052.md): de Havilland DHC-6-100 · Perris Valley, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 9, 1990 · N121PM · Substantial damage
  > A loss of power on the left engine due to a fatigue failure of a compressor turbine blade leading to further compressor blade damage; a worn power turbine governor throttle cam assembly which led to loss of power on the right engine; and inadequate…
- [NTSB NYC91LA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA044.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Atlantic City, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 7, 1990 · N8339D · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to abort the takeoff in sufficient time to prevent an overrun. Factors related to the accident were a partial power loss due to a faulty ignition system.
- [NTSB LAX91LA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA033.md): Mooney M20E · Tuba City, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 17, 1990 · N5703Q · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the piston rings which reduced the available engine power, and the pilot's continued operation of his airplane with a known engine deficiency during the relatively high density altitude conditions.
- [NTSB NYC91DNE01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91DNE01.md): Craig A. Gordon Teenie TWO · Oxford, CT · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Nov 16, 1990 · N199MG · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall and hard landing. Factors related to the accident were: the power loss and improper maintenance on the engine.
- [NTSB LAX91DUJ03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91DUJ03.md): Air Tractor AT-302 · Somerton, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Nov 16, 1990 · N4441S · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the number 3 exhaust valve which led to an engine failure and subsequent crash landing.
- [NTSB MIA91FA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91FA020.md): Aero Commander 680V · Fort Lauderdale, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 3, 1990 · N541F · Destroyed
  > The pilot-in-command's decision to continue takeoff with a known deficiency in the airplane - low power on both engines which resulted from open compressor surge valves. The pilot subsequently failed to maintain airspeed while maneuvering in a turn resulting…
- [NTSB MIA91FA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91FA017.md): Cessna 150G · Marathon, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 30, 1990 · N3220J · Destroyed
  > The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed, while attempting to make a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power. Fatigue failure of the center rocker boss on the #3 cylinder was a related factor.
- [NTSB MIA91LA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91LA010.md): American AA-5 · Cape Coral, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 14, 1990 · N5825L · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power, caused by mechanical failure of the number 3 cylinder engine exhaust valve, for an undetermined reason.
- [NTSB NYC91FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91FA006.md): Cessna 152 · Griswold, CT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 1990 · N4708M · Destroyed
  > A broken ehaust valve spring that resulted in a partial loss of power. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, lack of suitable terrain, and failure of the occupants to use their shoulder harnesses.
- [NTSB MIA91FA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91FA008.md): Mooney M20C · Kissimmee, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 7, 1990 · N1389W · Substantial damage
  > Malfunction of both magnetos due to deterioration of the coils, failure of maintenance personnel to comply with an airworthiness directive, and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate visual lookout while on an approach for an emergency landing. Factors…
- [NTSB FTW91FA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91FA002.md): Enstrom F28-C · Mesquite, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 7, 1990 · N88RA · Destroyed
  > Installation error of company maintenance personnel. Factors were the unsuitable terrain, the tailwind, the inability of the pilot to maintain main rotor RPM, and the inadequate annual inspection by company maintenance personnel.
- [NTSB NYC91LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA003.md): Cessna A150M · Lincoln, RI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 1990 · N7922U · Substantial damage
  > On ground collision with a tree while making a forced landing following loss of engine power due to a failed exhaust valve.
- [NTSB MIA91LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91LA006.md): Cessna 150M · Tampa, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 1990 · N704BB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to fly an airplane with known deficiencies. This resulted in a partial loss of engine power, and a ground collision with a fixed object.
- [NTSB SEA90FA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90FA197.md): Piper PA-24-260 · Bend, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 28, 1990 · N8646P · Destroyed
  > An engine power loss due to fuel starvation as a result of a broken seal in the fuel injector servo. In addition, the pilot misjudged his approach into an open field.
- [NTSB NYC90LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC90LA228.md): Piper PA-12 · Franconia, NH · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 23, 1990 · N2770M · Substantial damage
  > The landing of the airplane in unsuitable terrain, due to the mechanical failure of the engine center muffler baffle, which blocked the exhaust flow, resulting in a loss of power.
- [NTSB ATL90LA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90LA174.md): Piper PA-28-151 · Palmetto, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 1990 · N44678 · Substantial damage
  > The number two cylinder exhaust valve sticking in the closed position, which resulted in a partial power loss during the takeoff. A factor in the accident was the pilot's improper preflight inspection, in that he did not correctly analyze the engine problem…
- [NTSB CHI90LA267](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90LA267.md): Cessna 182 · Troy, MI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 1990 · N6873M · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to failure of the rocker arm bosses on the #2 cylinder.
- [NTSB MIA90LA182](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA90LA182.md): Hiller OH-23C · Fort Pierce, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 1990 · N96168 · Substantial damage
  > Loss of engine power due to separation of the packing seal which seals the distribution zone pipe to the inlet manifold, for undetermined reasons resulting in a hard landing.
- [NTSB FTW90FA177](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90FA177.md): Piper PA-32RT-300T · Addison, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 10, 1990 · N36720 · Destroyed
  > Fatigue failure of the throttle cable. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and objects (fence and utility poles) in the emergency landing area.
- [NTSB LAX90FA311](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90FA311.md): Cessna 411 · Fallon, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 1990 · N7321U · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to perform emergency procedures for loss of engine power (including his failure to feather the propeller of the affected engine). Factors related to the accident were: inadequate maintenance, contamination in the fuel system, and overheat…
- [NTSB FTW90DPG13](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90DPG13.md): Grumman G-164A · Luxora, AR · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Aug 30, 1990 · N5213 · Substantial damage
  > A partial power loss due to failure of the number five connecting rod. A factor was the soft terrain in which the forced landing was made.
- [NTSB LAX90DVD03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DVD03.md): Texas Helicopter M47A Wasp · Stockton, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Aug 27, 1990 · N43921 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot misjudged the altitude during the flare/touchdown phase of the autorotation. Factors relating to this accident are failure of the right magneto.
- [NTSB ATL90LA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90LA161.md): Cessna 172 · Palmetto, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 1990 · N6173E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's operation of the airplane with known mechanical deficiencies. A factor in the accident was the improperly maintained condition of the magnetos.
- [NTSB FTW90MA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90MA161.md): Grumman G-159 · Houston, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 1990 · N80RD · Destroyed
  > Partial failure of the left engine fuel pump, which resulted in a partial loss of power in the left engine, but not enough of a power loss to trigger and/or complete the autofeathering operation of the left propeller, thus allowing insufficient time for the…
- [NTSB CHI90FA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90FA233.md): Piper PA-23-160 · Odell, IL · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 1990 · N4231P · Substantial damage
  > A loss of left engine power due to oil accumulation in the right magneto and a non-usable spark lead from the left magneto. In addition, the right engine was unable to provide adequate power to maintain altitude due to a partial blockage in the carburetor by…
- [NTSB ATL90LA159](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90LA159.md): Cessna 172 · Ridge Spring, SC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 1990 · N66068 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the maintenance facility/owner to follow standard preventive maintenance procedures. A factor was the pilot's failure to extend the flaps during the forced landing.
- [NTSB LAX90DVD01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DVD01.md): Convair L-13A · Hayward, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Aug 9, 1990 · N13NH · Destroyed
  > Absence of a oil system fitting cap.
- [NTSB ATL90LA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90LA155.md): Cessna 172L · Greensboro, AL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 4, 1990 · N4386Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed and attain the proper touchdown point during the emergency landing.
- [NTSB CHI90DEV08](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90DEV08.md): Hilvety Cwii · Moweaqua, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Aug 3, 1990 · N7176J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain flying speed and stalling the airplane while attempting to reverse course for a forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to properly reinstall spark plug cables during servicing conducted prior to…
- [NTSB ATL90LA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90LA151.md): Cessna 172B · Midway, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 1990 · N8091X · Substantial damage
  > Total failure of the number four exhaust valve, resulting in engine power loss and the subsequent forced landing of the airplane.
- [NTSB FTW90DPG06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90DPG06.md): WSK PZL Mielec M18A · Hunter, AR · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jul 28, 1990 · N81699 · Destroyed
  > Loss of part of the engine exhaust collector, as result of improper maintenance replacement/installation.
- [NTSB ATL90DKJ07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90DKJ07.md): Bell-Continental Copters 47G · Clayhatchee, AL · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Jul 27, 1990 · N7153 · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the engine magneto(s). The lack of suitable terrain (trees) in the emergency landing area was a related factor.
- [NTSB LAX90LA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA263.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Clarksburg, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 1990 · N1570J · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the airplane's muffler during initial climb.
- [NTSB LAX90LA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA259.md): Cessna 421C · Lancaster, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 1990 · N6089X · Substantial damage
  > The accident was eroded ignition spark plug electrodes and maintenance personnel neglecting to adjust spark plug electrodes and maintenance personnel neglecting to adjust spark plug gap. The rough terrain in which the aircraft landed was a factor in the…
- [NTSB DEN90LA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90LA164.md): Mooney M20F · Torrington, WY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 1990 · N6456Q · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of power due to a failed exhaust valve. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB CHI90DEP07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90DEP07.md): Bell 47-G2 · Hatley, WI · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jul 10, 1990 · N6768D · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of power due to sticking intake valves.
- [NTSB LAX90LA241](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA241.md): Cessna 152 · Fullerton, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 1990 · N48418 · Substantial damage
  > The warped condition of the engine valves and valve seats due to excessive and repeated thermal shock cycles.
- [NTSB ANC90LA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC90LA103.md): De Havilland DHC-3 · Beaver Village, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 1990 · N17689 · Substantial damage
  > Mechanical failure of an exhaust rocker arm.
- [NTSB LAX90DUA01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DUA01.md): Homebuilt JP-350-1 · Torrance, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Jun 28, 1990 · N350JP · Substantial damage
  > The aircraft collision with the ground after the pilot experienced a loss of engine thrust due to propeller overspeed condition. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper servicing of the propeller hub that allowed the overspeed to occur.
- [NTSB MKC90LA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90LA139.md): Grumman G-164A · Swifton, AR · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 27, 1990 · N5203 · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the engine driven blower assembly. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB LAX90LA231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA231.md): Cessna 152 · Fillmore, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 26, 1990 · N528CA · Substantial damage
  > The inadvertent engagement of the starter during flight for undetermined reasons. >
- [NTSB FTW90FA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90FA125.md): Bellanca 17-30A · Dallas, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 26, 1990 · N6608V · Destroyed
  > The initial partial loss of engine power, followed by the total loss of engine power and the striking of a hidden set of transmission wires.
- [NTSB CHI90LA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90LA155.md): Cessna 150 · Flint, MI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 16, 1990 · N6583T · Destroyed
  > A loose fuel line caused by improper installation by maintenance personnel.
- [NTSB MKC90LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90LA128.md): Air Tractor AT-301 · Ulysses, KS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 1990 · N3650Z · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the powerplant cylinder and stall/mush encountered by the pilot in command.
- [NTSB CHI90DEP05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90DEP05.md): Cirrus Klappmeier Cirrus VF-30 · Baraboo, WI · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jun 14, 1990 · N888EK · Destroyed
  > Manufacturer's inadequate equipment design to prevent a fuel leak which resulted in an in-flight fire. A factor related to the accident was the lack of an unsuitable forced landing area.
- [NTSB MKC90LA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90LA126.md): Grumman G-164A · Fisher, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 1990 · N5257 · Destroyed
  > Partial loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.
- [NTSB DEN90LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90LA127.md): Aero Commander S2R · Sisseton, SD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 1990 · N5649X · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of power due to fuel starvation. Fuel starvation was caused by a missing fuel valve support clamp and a resultant cracked fuel line. Inadequate maintenance inspections and rough, uneven terrain were contributing factors.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?year=1990&occurrence=352&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 year(c."eventDate") = 1990
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 352)
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?occurrence=352&year=1990

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.