Probable cause
the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was en route to the destination airport when the airplane engine lost power, regained power, and then lost power again. The pilot said that he placed the mixture control in the full rich position, turned on the electric fuel pump, and moved the throttle control, but the engine did not regain power. The pilot attempted a forced landing on a corn field when the airplane struck two traffic signs that were adjacent to the field, substantially damaging the airplane wings. The pilot was uninjured. Inspection of the engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal engine operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA455 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 22, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Iowa City, Iowa
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SA-300
- N-number
- N7BT
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Ferry
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.