Probable cause
A partial loss of engine power due to a stuck No. 1 cylinder exhaust valve.
NTSB analysis
During the initial climb after takeoff, the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to return to the runway; however, the airplane was not able to maintain altitude and struck trees about 1/4 mile from the airport.
Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the cylinder's exhaust valve was stuck open and that the No. 1 cylinder produced little to no compression when the crankshaft was rotated. The loss of compression on the No. 1 cylinder would have resulted in a partial loss of engine power and airplane's inability to maintain altitude. Disassembly of the left magneto revealed that its breaker spring was fractured, but investigators were unable to determine whether the left magneto failed before or during the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16LA065 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 12, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Modena, New York
- Nearest airport
- Old Orchard Airpark (2NK9)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Dehavilland TIGER MOTH DH 82A
- N-number
- N9410
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1940
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.