Cessna 172R N9373F accident near Llano, Texas

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the engine did not reveal any evidence of preimpact failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, before departure, the airplane contained about 24 to 26 gallons of fuel, and a pretakeoff engine run-up detected no anomalies. Shortly after takeoff, when the airplane was about 100 to 200 ft above ground level, the engine sputtered and experienced a total loss of power. The pilot attempted to land on the runway, but the airplane touched down in the overrun area, bounced, and landed hard. The airplane was examined a couple of days after the accident, and no fuel was found in the airplane; however, damage to the airplane likely resulted in fuel seeping from the tanks and into the ground before the examination. A subsequent engine run and examination did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA217 for the full record.