# NTSB LAX96LA028: Piper PA-28-140, N8074C, Congress, AZ, October 29, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 29, 1995, 13:15 local (20:15 UTC) - Place: Congress, AZ - Location: 34.1625° N, 112.8507° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Congress, AZ, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1625&lon=-112.8507&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 9, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 29324 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX96LA028 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29324/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA028 ## Probable cause failure of the #3 cylinder exhaust valve. A factor was the pilot's need to perform an evasive maneuver to avoid colliding with an automobile. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal - engine assembly,valve,exhaust - fractured (cause) - engine assembly,valve,exhaust - separation (cause) - engine assembly,piston - penetrated - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll - terrain condition - roadway/highway - object - vehicle (contributing factor) - evasive maneuver - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor) - object - wall/barricade ## Analysis The pilot reported that during cruise the engine suddenly made a loud pop sound then began vibrating violently. The pilot set up to make a forced landing on a road but had to overshoot the intended landing spot due to a car. After touchdown, the pilot had insufficient distance to stop prior to colliding with a curb. During the engine examination the #3 cylinder exhaust valve head was found separated from the valve stem, and a large hole was noted in the piston. The valve head was destroyed. Review of the maintenance records revealed that the engine had 2,131 hours since major overhaul. Lycoming recommends a 2,000-hour time between overhauls. ## Factual narrative On October 29, 1995, at 1315 hours mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-140, N8074C, collided with ground obstructions during a forced landing on a road near Congress, Arizona. The forced landing was precipitated by a loss of power in cruise flight. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot and was on a personal cross-country flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. The certificated private pilot and his one passenger were not injured. The flight originated from Bullhead City, Arizona, on the day of the accident at 1200 as a flight to Phoenix. The pilot reported that during level cruise the engine suddenly made a loud pop sound then began vibrating violently. The pilot set up to make a forced landing on a road, but had to overshoot the intended landing spot due to a car. After touchdown, the pilot had insufficient distance to stop prior to colliding with a curb. The engine was examined by FAA airworthiness inspectors. The number 3 cylinder exhaust valve head was found separated from the valve stem and a large hole was noted in the piston. The valve head was destroyed. Review of the maintenance records revealed that the engine had 2,131 hours since major overhaul. Lycoming recommends a 2,000-hour time between overhauls. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8074C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8074C-2013-05-13), registration cancelled 2013-05-13, S/N 28-7625094, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-7625094 - Airframe hours: 4636 - Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: James C. Palmer - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 25, 1995, 95 hours before - Departed: IFP, BULLHEAD CITY, AZ - Destination: DVT, PHOENIX, AZ ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 110 total, 28 in this make and model, 72 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 65 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 75 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg ## 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 19951029034929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951029034929A), Oct 29, 1995: Piper PA28140, Congres, AZ, Substantial damage. Rough engine at cruise. Tried for road. Blocked by auto. NR3 valve broke. Hole in piston. Engine over tbo by 131HRS 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. --- 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.