Amateur-built Sky Raider N56179 accident near Augusta, Kansas

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not determined based on available information.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the engine power decreased about 1,000 rpm during initial climb after takeoff. Shortly afterward, the engine speed decreased to “almost nothing” but the engine did not quit altogether. The pilot lowered the nose but was only able to gain sufficient airspeed to “flatten the descent” before impact. The airplane came to rest upright in an open field with damage to the lower fuselage.

A postrecovery engine examination did not identify any anomalies consistent with an inability to produce rated power. The engine had been removed from the airframe, and the wings removed from the fuselage to facilitate recovery from the accident site and initial repairs. As a result, a comprehensive examination of the airframe fuel system could not be conducted. The engine utilized dual, slide-type carburetors, which are unlikely to accumulate ice.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA372 for the full record.