Beech A36 N6038R accident near Cordova, Illinois

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because a postaccident test run of the engine revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

Before departure, the pilot conducted a preflight inspection of the airplane and noted no anomalies. The pilot reported that, about 10 minutes after reaching cruise altitude, the engine "coughed" and began to lose power. He stated that he switched fuel tanks and attempted to regain engine power but that the engine could not produce enough power to maintain altitude. Unable to reach an airport, the pilot chose to perform a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane impacted power lines, and a portion of the right wing separated. During the postaccident test run of the engine, no mechanical failures or malfunctions were revealed that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA204 for the full record.