Amateur-built SONEX N610DJ accident near Pecatonica, Illinois

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, and the pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack following the loss of engine power, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot did not provide a statement regarding the accident. Information from the Federal Aviation Administration indicated that, while on the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern for landing, the pilot reduced engine power and the engine lost total power. The airplane continued in a left turn toward the runway while the pilot attempted to restart the engine. The airplane entered a stall/spin and impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage.

Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation, and the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined. Based on the available information, the circumstances of the accident are consistent with the pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack following a loss of engine power, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and impact with terrain.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA100 for the full record.