Piper PA32RT N31981

Summary

On 9 September 2022 at about 12:50 local time, a Piper PA32RT registered N31981 was involved in an accident near Bulverde, Texas, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

9 September 2022 at 12:50

Classification

Accident

Location

Bulverde, Texas, United States

Coordinates

29.7507, -98.4533

Aircraft

Piper PA32RT

Registration

N31981

Category

Airplane

Year built

1978

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Bulverde → Dallad

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN22LA413

Nobody was injured.

The partial loss of engine power due to excessive carbon deposits that resulted in one or more stuck exhaust valves.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported the airplane did not accelerate as usual during the takeoff roll. To avoid obstacles at the end of the runway, the pilot continued the takeoff. The airplane cleared powerlines, trees, and a school, but was nearing a stall so the pilot decided to make a forced landing in a field. During the landing the airplane collided with a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. Examination of the engine found excessive carbon deposits around the No. 4 cylinder exhaust valve. A large amount of carbon buildup was found on the rocker arm, rocker shaft, and valve spring. The rotator cap also had carbon deposits and exhibited a groove wear pattern consistent with a lack of cap rotation. The exhaust valve guide had excessive wobble and movement within the guide. The No. 5 exhaust valve also displayed signatures of carbon buildup but not to the same extent as the No. 4. No other anomalies were detected with the engine or airframe. The loss of engine power was likely due to at least one stuck exhaust valve.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.