Cessna 421B N813CA accident near Platteville, Wisconsin

Probable cause

The partial loss of right engine power for undetermined reasons with insufficient runway remaining for the aborted takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot reported that he completed the pretakeoff checklist, which included a run-up of each engine; no anomalies were noted. During the takeoff roll, the pilot noticed a decrease in manifold pressure in the right engine and felt a power reduction. He attempted to abort the takeoff with about 1,000 ft of runway pavement remaining. However, the airplane was traveling at 85 knots at the time of his decision, and the airplane would have needed about 2,400 ft of runway to stop. The airplane departed the runway surface, continued through a grassy area, and came to a stop in an adjacent field, which resulted in substantial damage to the nose and wing.

During the postaccident examination of the right engine, the engine was successfully test run, and no anomalies were found during the run that would have precluded normal operation or production of rated horsepower. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with the pilot choosing to abort the takeoff with inadequate runway distance remaining after a reported loss of engine power. The exact magneto timing was not determined, and although it could have affected the engine performance, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available evidence.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN15LA418 for the full record.