Cessna A185F N5418E accident near Sugar Land, Texas

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power after takeoff for undetermined reasons, and the pilot’s subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that, shortly after takeoff, the engine lost total power. He stated that the airplane airspeed decayed quickly, and he chose to land in a grass area next to the departure runway. In the final turn toward the grass area, he selected full flaps and tried to slow the airplane, but the airplane stalled, then impacted terrain and skidded about 100 ft before coming to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage, which included damage to the lower fuselage structure.

Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20LA338 for the full record.