Probable cause
A partial loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The accident occurred during the airplane’s first flight. The pilot reported the airplane seemed sluggish during the takeoff roll, but he thought it was due to the warm outside temperature. The airplane lifted off halfway down the 4,000-foot-long runway. The pilot reported that the airplane was out of ground effect when it reached the end of the runway, at which time the airspeed and engine power began to decrease. The pilot initiated a turn to return to the airport, during which the airplane stalled and contacted a pole barn before impacting the ground. A postaccident inspection of the engine did not reveal any failures or malfunctions that would have resulted in the loss of engine power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA488 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 16, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Jackson, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Jackson County (JXN)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built VOLKSPLANE VP-1
- N-number
- N341MD
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Flight test
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.