Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during an emergency descent, following a loss of engine power, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.
NTSB analysis
The pilot said that shortly after liftoff, the engine lost power at an altitude of 400 to 500 feet above ground level (agl). He was able to maintain a controlled descent until approximately 100 feet agl, where the airplane stalled and impacted the ground. The engine was later examined, and no anomalies were found.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA204 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 25, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Andrews, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Andrews County (E11)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N739BL
- 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.