Piper PA-14 N4276H accident near Chickaloon, Alaska

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB analysis

The accident flight was the first flight after the airplane’s annual inspection. The pilots completed a “thorough” preflight inspection, and an engine run-up revealed no anomalies. Just after the airplane became airborne during takeoff, the engine lost power, regained power momentarily, and then lost power again. Insufficient runway remained on which to land, and the airplane impacted an area of tree- and brush-covered terrain off the end of the runway and nosed over. Examination of the engine and fuel system did not reveal any anomalies that would have resulted in a loss of engine power. The reason for the loss of power could not be determined based on the available information.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC21LA096 for the full record.