Loss Of Engine Power Was Not Preceded By Any Abnormal Signs Or Engine Indications

Location: Ocala, Florida Accident Number: ERA24LA011
Date & Time: October 17, 2023, 10:50 Local Registration: N118T
Aircraft: Tecnam P2010 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Unknown or undetermined Injuries: 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis: The pilots reported the engine suddenly lost power during the initial takeoff climb at an altitude of 300 to 400 ft above ground level (agl) during the instructional flight. The loss of engine power was not preceded by any abnormal signs or engine indications. The instructor took over control of the airplane and attempted a forced landing in the grass near the runway. During the forced landing, the left wing dropped, and the airplane impacted the grass in a left-wing-low, nose-down position.

Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any mechanical irregularities or failures that would have precluded normal engine operation. Corrosion that was discovered on both magnetos was attributed to the airplane being stored outside in a hot humid environment after the accident in the months leading up to the full examination. No other mechanical irregularities were discovered, and a maintenance logbook review did not reveal recent maintenance that may have been related to the sudden loss of engine power. Based on witness statements and signatures of the wreckage, the instructor likely did not maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing attempt, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and extremely hard landing. 

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. Contributing to the  accident was the flight instructor’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the forced landing, which resulted in a hard landing.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov