Cirrus Design Corp SR22 N929DE accident near Corydon, Iowa

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine and airframe did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

Before takeoff, the private pilot completed an engine run-up and noted no anomalies. However, witnesses and the passenger described the engine as "pinging," "popping," and "skipping a beat" during the takeoff roll and shortly after takeoff. The pilot turned the airplane on course toward the destination when the "engine started sputtering and died." The pilot attempted an engine restart by turning on the fuel boost pump, switching fuel tanks, checking the mixture lever, and cycling the magneto switch; he was unable to restart the engine. Due to the low altitude at the time of the loss of engine power, the pilot did not deploy the airframe parachute system and instead performed a forced landing to a wooded area. Damage to the crankshaft prevented a functional test of the engine; however, a teardown examination revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17LA263 for the full record.