Engine Sustained A Total Loss Of Power And The Propeller Continued To Windmill

Location: Weslaco, Texas Accident Number: CEN22LA252
Date & Time: June 16, 2022, 08:30 Local Registration: N489C
Aircraft: Meyers Industries Inc 200A Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Unknown or undetermined Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot reported that he intended to complete a cross-country flight and the airplane had about 65 gallons of fuel onboard. After takeoff, he entered the left traffic pattern to overfly the runway before departing the area. While on the downwind leg, the engine sustained a total loss of power and the propeller continued to windmill. As he turned toward the airport, he extended the airplane’s landing gear because he believed the airplane would reach the runway. However, the additional drag of the extended landing gear increased the airplane’s descent rate and the airplane descended into an area of trees short of the runway. The airplane collided with trees and came to rest vertically with the tail resting on a tree. The engine mounts, forward fuselage, and both wings were substantially damaged during the accident.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that there was adequate fuel available, and no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation were identified. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on available information.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov