Cessna 150F N8761G accident near Pittstown, New Jersey

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to a stuck exhaust valve.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during takeoff roll the airplane was not performing as normal. The pilot aborted the takeoff, completed an additional engine run-up and no anomalies were noted. The pilot performed a second takeoff, and the airplane did not gain sufficient altitude to clear powerlines along the flight path. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a field and the airplane sustained substantial damage when it contacted the rough terrain.

Postaccident examination of the engine revealed the No. 4 cylinder exhaust valve was stuck closed. No additional evidence indicated any preexisting mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. Thus, the stuck valve likely caused the partial loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA308 for the full record.