Rockwell International 112TC N4954W accident near Cheyenne, Wyoming

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

The airline transport pilot and his passenger departed on a short personal flight from an airpark to a local airport. The entire flight was conducted with the fuel selector valve selected to BOTH. During the flight, the engine rpm decreased and then increased several times before decreasing to idle. The pilot attempted to restore engine power but was not successful. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot stated that each fuel tank contained about 1/4 tank of fuel based on the reading on the fuel gauges and his knowledge of the fuel burn and the previous day's flight. He did not have a calibrated fuel stick for the airplane to visually verify the level of fuel. A postaccident examination of the airframe, engine, and fuel system revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Thus, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN18LA225 for the full record.