Probable cause
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
** This report was modified on January 13, 2026. Please see the docket for this accident to view the original report. **
The flight instructor and student pilot were conducting a simulated off-field emergency landing as part of a pre-solo cross-country progress check. The flight instructor told the student pilot to break off the maneuver and apply engine power, but the airplane’s engine did not respond when power was added. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and attempted to restart the engine with no success. He then declared an emergency and performed a 180° power-off turn to a field. During the touchdown, the airplane contacted a raised embankment, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine showed no preaccident failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. As a result, the cause of the total loss of engine power could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA414 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 10, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lasalle, Colorado
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172S
- N-number
- N2099J
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2004
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.