Amateur-built AK RIDGE RUNNER N1549M accident near Wasilla, Alaska

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

The light sport pilot was departing uphill from a 2,000-ft-long by 200-ft-wide gravel-covered runway, which was surrounded by trees. He said that, as the airplane approached midfield, it became airborne and the engine "sputtered," so he elected to abort the takeoff. After the airplane touched down, he was unable to stop it before striking a stand of trees at the end of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. A maintenance technician's postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. An aviation weather reporting station located 2 miles southeast of the accident site reported weather conditions about the time of the accident that were conducive for light to moderate carburetor icing at any engine power setting; however, the investigation could not determine whether carburetor icing caused the loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC16LA021 for the full record.