Chieftain VH-MZK being recovered from the ûSpencer Gulf.

The maddening aspect of drawing conclusions from GA accident reports is their lack of reliable detail. The NTSB and FAA are satisfied to close out a wreck probe with “engine failed in flight; post-accident examination revealed no mechanical discrepancies.”

Not that we blame the poor pukes doing the field investigations. They’re understaffed, have few technical resources and too much tin to kick around during even a slow month. Moreover, few investigators are trained in the finer points of piston-engine forensics so checking for valve and crank continuity and gas in the lines might be as much as we can expect. …