Probable cause
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
During takeoff the airplane's engine suddenly lost power. The pilot applied carburetor heat and switched fuel tanks; however, the engine did not restart. The pilot elected to conduct a forced landing along a road. During the forced landing, the airplane sustained structural damage. An examination of the airplane and engine was conducted; however, no abnormalities were found with either the airframe or engine that could account for the loss of engine power. While weather conditions for carburetor icing were noted as “moderate or serious icing - cruise or descent power range” at the time of the accident, the investigation was unable to determine the cause of the power loss.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10LA281 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 29, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Atchison, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Amelia Earhart Airport (K59)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 140
- N-number
- N76287
- 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.