Probable cause
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The accident flight was the airplane’s first flight with a newly installed engine. The pilot executed a normal takeoff and, during initial climbout, the engine began to overheat. Subsequently, engine power diminished and the pilot made a forced landing into the trees at the end of the runway. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. Due to the extensive fire damage of the automobile engine, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09LA498 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 1, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Symrna, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Symrna Airport (MQY)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built R-W22 Tiger Moth Rep
- N-number
- N318JT
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.