Probable cause
The No. 2 cylinder exhaust valve being stuck in the “full open” position due to carbon deposits, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that he was returning from a solo flight when the engine "started failing." The engine speed decreased to about 1,500 rpm with a "significant" vibration. The pilot's efforts to restore engine power were unsuccessful, and the engine ultimately lost total power. He subsequently conducted a forced landing to a plowed field, during which the airplane nosed over.
A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 2 cylinder exhaust valve was stuck in the "full open" position. Disassembly of the cylinder revealed that the exhaust valve stem exhibited carbon deposits consistent with the stuck valve condition. No other engine anomalies were noted.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17LA014 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 8, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Beasley, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Wharton Regional (ARM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 150M
- N-number
- N704LE
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.