MARCELINE, MO, USA
N8424B
PIPER PA-32R-301T
THE PILOT STATED THAT WHILE CRUISING AT 7000 FEET THE ENGINE BEGAN VIBRATING, LOST POWER, AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED. HE ELECTED TO LAND IN AN OPEN FIELD RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE AIRCRAFT. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE INTAKE VALVE STEM ON THE #3 CYLINDER FAILED. FURTHER METALLURGICAL TESTS INDICATED THAT THE VALVE FAILED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HARDNESS IN A LOCALIZED AREA, RESULTING IN A MICRO-CRACK WHICH WAS THE STRESS RISER FOR THE FATIGUE FAILURE.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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