The failure of the No. 4 cylinder exhaust valve that resulted in a partial loss of engine power. Based on available evidence, the reason for the failed valve was not determined.
NTSB Accidents
Two injured when carb ice contributes to crash
A partial loss of engine power due to the formation of carburetor ice while on the ground, which resulted in reduced climb capability and impact with trees during the initial climb.
Two pilots, but nobody was flying the plane
The pilot and owner’s failure to adequately communicate and establish an understanding of who was flying the airplane, and their failure to take timely action to avoid a collision with terrain.
Pilot mistakes corn field for runway
The pilot’s misidentification of a corn field for the destination airport’s runway, and a subsequent aerodynamic stall at low altitude while attempting to land.
Pilot injured when passenger grabs control stick while adjusting seat
The pilot’s failure to monitor aircraft control, which resulted in a loss of control when a passenger inadvertently moved the control stick, and the pilot and other passenger’s decision to unbuckle their restraints inflight.
Pilot bends his new plane trying to land in field behind instructor’s house
The pilot’s decision to land on a shortened field and his incorrect brake application. Contributing was the flight instructor’s lack of oversight.
Excessive wear on brake liners leads to runway excursion
Excessive wear of the left brake liners which reduced brake effectiveness resulting in a runway excursion.
Maule flips twice when pilot tries to avoid deer on the runway
The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while attempting to avoid a deer during landing, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.
Stuck intake valve takes down Champion
About 15 minutes into the flight, the engine lost power. He established best glide airspeed and turned the airplane towards land.




