Probable cause
The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot established a descent from a cruise altitude of 8,500 feet for an approach and landing to refuel on the second leg of a cross-country flight. At an altitude of about 5,000 feet, the engine stopped producing power. The pilot attempted to restore power by adjusting the throttle, mixture, and magnetos. The engine lost power completely. The pilot then attempted a restart and was unsuccessful. A forced landing was made to an open field between two rows of houses. During the landing roll, the airplane's wings hit a stop sign and several trees. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector on scene, the engine had compression, turned over by hand, and showed no outward signs of failure. No reason could be determined for the loss of engine power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA391 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 25, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mena, Arkansas
- Nearest airport
- Mena Intermountain Municipal (KMEZ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SONEX
- N-number
- N604X
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.