Stuck Exhaust Pipe: accident report

Pronunciation:

• during the initial climb / you may also use: in course of the initial climb

• sputter – make a series of small explosive or spitting sounds, typically used in reference to motors / engines
• verify – here nice way of expressing the meaning of check

The pilot reported that, during the initial climb after takeoff from Runway 20 at Nut Tree Airport in Vacaville, California, the Cessna 150H’s engine began to sputter while the airplane was about 200 to 250 feet above ground level.

The engine speed decreased to about 1,700 to 1,800 rpm.The pilot verified that the mixture and throttle were in the takeoff positions, but the airplane was no longer climbing, and he had difficulty maintaining altitude.

Grammar comment: have difficulty doing something. After ‘have difficulty’ always use gerund form:

I had difficulty maintaining allocated speed and altitude.

The cabin crew had difficulty keeping discipline among unruly passengers on board.

• initiate – begin (also: commence)
• uneven terrain – note ‘un-‘ as the negative prefix for ‘even’
• come to rest – stop
• substantial damage
• sustain minor injuries – minor injury is not life threatening. It just needs either basic first aid at home or attention of the health provider. Major injuries usually carry the impact on your life: disability, permanently diminished quality of life, or even death

As a result, he initiated a forced landing to an open field adjacent to the airport. The airplane hit uneven terrain and came to rest upright, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries in the crash.

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

Linguistic entry inspired / prepared on the basis of 2022 Accident Report by National Transportation Safety Board.