# NTSB ATL84LA188: Waco RNF, N11254, Danville, VA, May 25, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 25, 1984, 12:07 local (16:07 UTC)
- Place: Danville, VA
- Coordinates: 36.58023, -79.400337 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.5802&lon=-79.4003&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6468
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL84LA188
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6468/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84LA188

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - fluid,oil - inadequate (cause)
  - maintenance,service of aircraft/equipment - not performed, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - engine assembly,valve,intake - locked (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed(vs) - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS EN ROUTE TO NJ WHEN THE ENG BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH. HE DIVERTED TO DANVILLE, VA, AND LANDED. DURING THE SUBSEQUENT TAKEOFF THE ENG BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH, THEN QUIT AT AN ALT OF APRX 700 FEET. THE PILOT TURNED THE ACFT AND OVER FLEW THE DEPARTURE RWY TO AVOID OVERFLYING BUILDINGS ON THE DOWNWIND LEG. THE PILOT STATED THAT 'FINAL APPROACH TURN TO FINAL LEG IS WHERE THE WING DROPPED AND THE ACFT STALLED FROM APRX 100 TO 200 FEET.' EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT ENG AFTER THE ACCIDENT REVEALED SEVERAL STUCK AND SEIZED EXHAUST VALVES. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A LUBRICANT AROUND THE VALVE GUIDES. THE GUIDES MUST BE LUBRICATED ON A PERIOD BASIS BY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N11254](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N11254), registered now, S/N 3457, built 1931 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: WACO RNF
- Registry model: [Waco RNF](https://openairdocs.org/model/waco-rnf) (registry code 9600422) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Warner SCARAB series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/warner-scarab-series) (registry code 64502, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 3457
- Engines: Warner 125 125 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Wayne E. Hayes
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 25, 1983, 40 hours before
- Departed: DAN, DANVILLE, VA
- Destination: N87, ROBBINSVILLE, NJ
- Airport: DAN, Danville Muni., runway 20, 5,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 2,792 total, 240 in this make and model, 22 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DAN

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19840525071879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840525071879A), May 25, 1984: Waco RNF, Danville, VA, Substantial damage. Engine quit on base leg after attempted landing due to a rough engine. Stalled turning final. Seized exhaust valve.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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