Amateur-built SPARROW II N5955Y accident near Jeromesville, Ohio

Probable cause

The student pilot's in-flight loss of control while attempting to return to the runway following a loss of engine power. The cause of the loss of engine power could not be determined because the postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot recalled taxi testing the airplane, which had a newly installed carburetor, before flying the airplane around his farm without incident. He believed that he took off again and that the engine lost power, but he was unsure at what point during the flight that might have occurred. He recalled that he might have been attempting to return to the runway at the time of the accident; however, he did not recall the accident. A postaccident examination of the airplane on scene did not reveal any anomalies attributable to a preimpact failure or malfunction. Although the airplane was operating in weather conditions with a chance of moderate carburetor icing at cruise power, the investigation could not determine whether the loss of power was caused by mechanical or environmental factors. The pilot received his student pilot certificate the year before the accident; however, he could not provide any record of an endorsement for solo flight, as required. Further, although he reported maintaining the airplane himself, there was no record of him holding a mechanic or repairman certificate.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA079 for the full record.