Probable cause
The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after takeoff, about 250 feet above ground level (agl), the engine experienced a total loss of power. He reduced the throttle to idle and attempted to land on the runway; however, there was not enough distance remaining. He subsequently pushed the throttle forward and the engine regained power. As the airplane reached approximately 250 feet agl, the engine lost power again. The pilot subsequently set up for a forced landing to a harvested corn field immediately west of the airport. The airplane nosed over during the emergency landing. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA002 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 1, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Nappanee, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Nappanee Muni (C03)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built CHRISTAVIA MK 1
- N-number
- N9049S
- 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.