Cessna 182 N9901E accident near Byers, Colorado

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported the engine did not provide full power when he attempted to execute a go-around. The airplane subsequently descended into a corn field and nosed over. The fuselage, and empennage both sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated that he applied carburetor heat in accordance with the pilot’s operating handbook.

Postaccident airframe and engine examinations did not reveal any anomalies consistent with an inability to produce rated power. The propeller damage was consistent with some level of engine power at impact; however, an exact level of power could not be estimated from the available evidence. Although the possibility of carburetor icing existed at the time of the accident, the pilot stated that he applied carburetor heat in accordance with the pilot’s operating handbook.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA002 for the full record.