Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to low cylinder compression.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was in cruise flight when the engine began to run rough and lose power. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost total power and the pilot maneuvered the airplane to a nearby field to perform a forced landing. Just before touchdown, the airplane collided with a barbed wire fence and subsequently landed hard. Examination and disassembly of the 2-cylinder engine revealed that the right and left cylinder intake valves were not properly seating with the cylinder heads when the valves were in the closed position. The pilot reported this condition would likely cause low cylinder compression and a loss of engine power. No other anomalies were noted with the engine.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10LA419 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 21, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Canby, Oregon
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
ULTRA CRUISER
- N-number
- N524DF
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.