Piper PA12 N2554M accident near Spearfish, South Dakota

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

Before departing on the first flight after completion of the annual inspection, the pilot selected the right wing fuel tank, which was the fuller tank, performed an engine runup, and then initiated takeoff. The pilot said that the airplane climbed to about 70 ft above the runway, lost engine power for a few seconds, regained power briefly, then lost total power. The airplane landed hard on the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.

A postacccident engine run revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal airplane operation. Based on the available evidence, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA082 for the full record.