# NTSB NYC90LA208: Piper J5 CUB, N38428, Douglas, MA, August 31, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 31, 1990, 16:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Douglas, MA
- Location: 42.0543° N, 71.7395° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Douglas, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.0543&lon=-71.7395&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36730
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC90LA208
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36730/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC90LA208

## Probable cause

A TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE WHEN THE #3 EXHAUST VALVE FAILED, CAUSING INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT HAD TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

## 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
  - engine assembly,valve,intake - failure,total (cause)
  - engine assembly - failure,total (contributing factor)
  - emergency procedure - initiated, pilot in command
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE WAS AT 2000 FEET MSL CRUISE ALTITUDE WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED. THE PILOT LOOKED FOR SUITABLE TERRAIN TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING, BUT COULD FIND NONE. DURING THE LANDING THE RIGHT WING STRUCK A TREE. THE EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THE #3 EXHAUST VALVE FAILED CAUSING INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N38428](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N38428-2011-07-25), registration cancelled 2011-07-25, S/N 5-978, built 1941 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J5 CUB
- Registry model: [Piper J5A](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j5a) (registry code 7100702) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5-978
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John D. Bouchard
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1990, 24 hours before
- Departed: 5B3, DANIELSON, CT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 3,400 total, 674 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19900831037799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900831037799A), Aug 31, 1990: Piper J5A, Douglas, MA, Substantial damage. Engine lost power. Forced landing in trees in backyard of residence. Valve had broken and fell into cylinder.

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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