Amateur-built TIGER MOTH R80 N927TM accident near New Franken, Wisconsin

Probable cause

The loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that a new engine had been installed on the amateur-built airplane in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and that an engine test run and taxi tests were performed. The airplane was serviced with fuel before its first local flight following the new engine installation. Shortly after takeoff, the airplane lost engine power at 200 feet above ground level. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field, during which the landing gear separated from the airplane, and the airplane sustained substantial wing and fuselage damage. The local temperature and dew point were favorable for serious carburetor icing at glide power; however, the engine was operating at a high power setting. A postaccident examination revealed that the fuel filters were clean. An examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA502 for the full record.