Probable cause
A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident testing revealed no anomalies.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, about 20 minutes into the flight, the engine sound abruptly changed, and the engine began to lose power. The pilot's attempts to restore power were unsuccessful. An air traffic controller gave the pilot radar vectors to the nearest airport; however, the airplane was unable to glide to the runway, so the pilot made a forced landing on uneven terrain. The right main landing gear did not extend fully before touchdown, and the airplane ground looped, which resulted in the fuselage buckling and the outboard portion of the right wing being torn off. The engine was test run at all power settings, and no anomalies were noted.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA253 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 26, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rockdale, Texas
- Nearest airport
- H.H. Coffield Regional (KRCK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech A36
- N-number
- N188DP
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.