Probable cause
The total loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 3 cylinder for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
NTSB analysis
The pilot and his passenger departed on a cross-country flight en route to their home airport. While flying at 7,500 ft mean sea level, the engine began to violently shake, vibrate, and then lost power. The pilot attempted a forced landing to a nearby airport; however, the airplane impacted trees and terrain short of the runway. The airplane came to rest upright in a field about 300 yards short of the runway.
Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 3 cylinder had separated from the engine crankcase. The cylinder, piston, and fractured connecting rod remained within the engine cowling. A review of the maintenance records revealed no recent history of major engine maintenance.
Several weeks after the accident, the airplane was recovered by unknown personnel to an unknown location. Examination of the engine to determine the failure of the No. 3 cylinder was not possible.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20LA228 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 13, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Livingston, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Livingston Muni (00R)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech 24
- N-number
- N444JR
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1970
- 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.