# NTSB SEA94LA209: Piper PA-28-140, N95285, Redmond, WA, August 13, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 13, 1994, 08:05 local (15:05 UTC)
- Place: Redmond, WA
- Coordinates: 47.680927, -122.119026 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.6809&lon=-122.1190&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 9, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41996
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA94LA209
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41996/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94LA209

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF AN EXHAUST VALVE. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: WET GRASS.

## 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,exhaust - failure (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - other
  - terrain condition - grass (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT THE ENGINE DEVELOPED A VIBRATION AND LOSS OF POWER. THE PILOT INITIATED A FORCED LANDING TO AN OPEN FIELD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL ON WET GRASS, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE NUMBER THREE CYLINDER EXHAUST VALVE FAILED.

## Factual narrative

On August 13, 1994, approximately 0805 hours Pacific daylight time (PDT), a Piper PA-28-140, N95285, registered to and being flown by Gerald A. Coon, a certificated commercial pilot, was substantially damaged upon collision with an irrigation system during the landing roll following a power loss and forced landing near Redmond, Washington. The pilot and two passengers were uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal in nature, was to have been operated in accordance with the requirements set forth in 14CFR91, and originated from the Auburn Municipal Airport, Auburn, Washington. The aircraft was destined for Abbotsford, British Columbia.

The pilot reported that while cruising at 2900 feet and slightly east of Sand Point, Washington, an engine vibration and loss of power developed. The pilot chose to execute a forced landing in an agricultural field. During the landing rollout on dew covered grass the aircraft's right wing impacted the irrigation system.

After the airplane was retrieved from the field, an engine examination revealed that part of the number three cylinder exhaust valve was missing.  Extensive damage to the cylinder wall was also noted.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N95285](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N95285), registered now, S/N 28-25875, built 1969 (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: 28-25875
- Airframe hours: 5197
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Coon, Gerald  A.
- Registered owner: Coon, Gerald A.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, March 16, 1994, 81 hours before
- Departed: S50, AUBURN, WA
- Destination: YXX, ABBOTSFORD

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,178 total, 951 in this make and model, 1,156 as pilot in command, 61 in the last 90 days, 28 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PAE, 16 nm away

## 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 19940813021559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940813021559A), Aug 13, 1994: Piper PA28140, Redmond, WA, Substantial damage. Engine vibration. Power loss. Struck irrigation rig landing. NR3 cylinder exhaust valve missing. Cylinder scored.

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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