Probable cause
The failure of the number 1 cylinder intake valve which resulted in a partial loss of engine power. Contributing to the incident was the failure of the operator to maintain the engine per manufacturer's recommendations.
NTSB analysis
The pilot rented the airplane for a local flight with the passenger. While maneuvering, the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power and the pilot could not maintain altitude. The pilot elected to perform a precautionary landing to a frozen lake and landed uneventfully. Examination of the engine revealed that the Number 1 cylinder intake valve had fractured. The cause of the failure could not be determined. The operator exceeded the engine manufacturer's recommended time between overhaul by over 1,600 hours. However, because the operator operated under Part 91, they were not subject to the Federal regulations that require compliance with manufacturers' recommended maintenance instructions.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09IA172 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 17, 2009
- Type
- Incident
- Place
- Grayslake, Illinois
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 150
- N-number
- N747KA
- Category
- Airplane
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.