Probable cause
A total loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that there were no anomalies with the engine operation during a before-takeoff engine check or when he applied power for takeoff. He stated that shortly after liftoff, about 50 to 100 feet above the runway, the engine suddenly lost power. He immediately performed a landing on the remaining runway. The airplane touched down hard and then bounced several times before the nose and right main landing gear collapsed. The accident engine demonstrated the ability to produce rated horsepower during a postaccident operational test run. A postaccident examination failed to reveal any anomalies that would have prevented normal engine operation. Additionally, there was no significant risk of carburetor ice accumulation at any engine power setting.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA103 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 9, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Watertown, South Dakota
- Nearest airport
- Watertown Regional Airport (KATY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech C23
- N-number
- N6717K
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.