Probable cause
A partial loss of engine power due to the fatigue fracture of the No. 3 cylinder head stud.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was conducting a cross-county flight in the single-engine airplane when the engine began to run rough. Shortly thereafter, the engine experienced a partial loss of power and the pilot subsequently performed a forced landing to a golf course. During the landing, the airplane impacted trees and sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
Examination of the engine revealed that two nuts were missing from the No. 3 cylinder head studs, three nuts were loose, and a third stud was fractured. The mostly-flat fracture surface of the stud exhibited features and striations consistent with fatigue, with a shear lip on one side that displayed features consistent with overstress. The fatigue fracture of the No. 3 cylinder head stud led to the loss of engine power and the loosening of several of the other nuts that secured the No. 3 cylinder head to its base.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16LA123 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 5, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- St. Petersburg, Florida
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Taylorcraft BL
- N-number
- N22661
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1939
- Damage
- Substantial
- 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.