Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that before the airplane descended to an intermediate cruise altitude, he selected carburetor heat and noted a normal decrease in engine speed. He then deselected carburetor heat and descended to 5,500 feet mean sea level. About 20 minutes after the descent, the engine ran rough and subsequently lost power. The pilot was unable to regain engine power by changing fuel tanks and he performed a forced landing to a corn field. Examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that would have resulted in a loss of engine power. The conditions about the time of the accident were conducive to carburetor icing at glide power. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA514 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 25, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Monroe City, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Capt. Ben Smith Airfield - Mon (K52)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RV4
- N-number
- N20JE
- 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.