Aviation safety investigations & reports
Cessna 172N, VH-UWD, Tebin Station 32km SSW of Quilpie QLD, 22 November 1985
198503542

Summary
At about 200 feet agl after take-off, the engine began to vibrate and lose power. The pilot turned the aircraft to the right to position over more suitable terrain. The aircraft was stalled into small trees and bushes before touching down heavily on the nosewheel, which broke off. The aircraft then overturned and came to rest inverted. The power loss was caused by two engine exhaust valves sticking open. Although the valves were found to have been set at the minimum recommended clearance, a build up of combustion residue was present which probably restricted valve movement. Operations in high ambient temperatures involving slow flight and reduced engine cooling at rich mixtures can promote a combustion residue build up reducing valve guide clearance and resulting in valve sticking. The aircraft had been operating in the western Queensland summer conducting sheep survey operations.
General details
Date: | 22 November 1985 | Investigation status: | Completed | ||
Time: | 1029 [Aprx] | ||||
Location: | Tebin Station 32km SSW of Quilpie | ||||
State: | Queensland | ||||
Release date: | 23 April 1986 | Occurrence category: | Accident | ||
Report status: | Final | Highest injury level: | None |
Aircraft details
Aircraft manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company | |
---|---|---|
Aircraft model | 172 | |
Aircraft registration | VH-UWD | |
Type of operation | Business | |
Damage to aircraft | Substantial | |
Departure point | Tebin Station QLD | |
Departure time | 1029 [Aprx] | |
Destination | Quilpie QLD |