Probable cause
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The engine lost power shortly after takeoff about 400 feet above ground level. The pilot's efforts to restore engine power were not successful. He initiated a left turn in order to set up for a forced landing; however, the airplane stalled and impacted the ground. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of an engine malfunction or failure. Carburetor icing was not probable under takeoff power at the time of the accident. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA014 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 11, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Traverse City, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Lake Ann Airway Estates (4M0)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Zodiac 601XL
- N-number
- N4595P
- 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.