Piper PA38 - 112 accident near Millbury, Ohio, July 25, 2015
On July 25, 2015 at about 2:10 pm local time, a Piper PA38 - 112, registered CGTAO, was substantially damaged in an accident during enroute (climb to cruise) near Millbury, Ohio (Toledo Executive Airpot airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was killed. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
A loss of engine power due to three of the engine valve adjustment mechanisms backing out, which resulted from improper maintenance.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- July 25, 2015 · about 2:10 pm local time
- Place
- Millbury, Ohio · Toledo Executive Airpot · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was killed.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Piper PA38 - 112 · all PA38 - 112s on the register
- Registration
- CGTAO · no longer on the register · serial 38-79A1002
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot declared a "mayday" and reported to air traffic control that he needed to return to the airport. The airplane crashed in an open field about ½ mile from the airport. The pilot initially survived the accident but later died from his injuries. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed the valve adjustment mechanisms (jam nut and screw) on two of the intake valves and on one of the exhaust valves were backed off. The valve spring retainer on one of the intake valves was broken, and two of the cylinder head gaskets were compromised. The spark plugs were fouled. Given the postaccident condition of the engine, the pilot most likely was returning to the airport due to a loss of engine power. Maintenance records show the engine had an annual inspection about 25 flight hours before the accident. The condition of the valve adjustment mechanisms suggests that either the tappet adjustment was not checked, as recommended by the manufacturer, or the torque on the jam nuts was incorrect.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Loss of engine power (partial) during enroute (climb to cruise) defining event
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during landing (flare/touchdown)
The NTSB's findings
- cause Aircraft › Aircraft power plant › Power plant › (general) › Incorrect service/maintenance
- Personnel issues › Task performance › Use of equip/info › Aircraft control › Pilot
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land
- Flight time: 1,103 hours in all; 34.9 in the last 90 days; 23.7 in the last 30 days
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: serious injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 1,745.6 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, March 18, 2015
- Maximum gross weight: 1,670 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Lycoming O-235-L2A (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: KTDZ Toledo OH at 2:06 pm
- Destination: CYKF Breslau Ontario
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 230° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 79°F (26°C), dew point 63°F (17°C)
- Altimeter: 29.96 inHg
- Observation at 1:53 pm from TDZ, 1 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
6 documents, released by the NTSB on October 4, 2016. View them here, or download them; the NTSB redacts some personal details before release, and this site shows the NTSB's own titles rather than its file names.
| # | Document | What it is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FAA Inspector's Report | PDF, 2 pages | View Download |
| 2 | Aircraft Records | PDF, 10 pages | View Download |
| 3 | Weight and Balance | PDF, 5 pages | View Download |
| 4 | O-235-L2C Parts Catalog Excerpt | PDF, 2 pages | View Download |
| 5 | Lycoming Service Letter 1068A | PDF, 2 pages | View Download |
| 6 | Photos | PDF, 10 pages | View Download |
The same docket at the NTSB · documents without a copy here are fetched from the NTSB when you open them.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.