# NTSB Accident ERA14LA057
> **PIPER PA-28-161** · 2013-11-30 · Elkmont, AL, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** ERA14LA057
- **Event ID:** 20131130X60054
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2013-11-30
- **Location:** Elkmont, AL, USA
- **Coordinates:** 34.926109, -86.970275
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 1
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** PIPER
- **Model:** PA-28-161
- **Registration:** N8878E
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

A stuck exhaust valve, which resulted in a total loss of engine power at low altitude. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s decision to fly at a low altitude, which reduced his forced landing options when the loss of engine power occurred; and poor long-term engine maintenance, which resulted in the buildup of combustion by-products on exhaust valve parts. Contributing to the pilot’s poor aeronautical decision-making was his underlying attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=ERA14LA057) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*