Piper PA-28-140 N589FL accident near De Smet, South Dakota

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examinations of the airplane and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the engine surged during cruise descent and was not developing sufficient power to maintain altitude. She reported that she performed the emergency checklist procedures, including applying carburetor heat, but that they were unsuccessful and that she then executed a forced landing to a field. During the landing roll, the airplane struck a ditch and a rock, which caused the left main landing gear to collapse and damaged the firewall. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any preimpact anomalies with the engine or fuel system that would have precluded normal operation. Fuel was found on board the airplane. The engine behavior was not indicative of carburetor ice. A test run confirmed the engine's ability to function, and no defects were noted.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA367 for the full record.