Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
Following a solo flight to a nearby airport, the student pilot returned to the origination airport for pattern work. After one full stop landing, he attempted another takeoff. About 400 feet above the ground, the engine began to lose power. Attempts to restore power were unsuccessful, so the pilot set up for a forced landing in a field. The airplane struck trees during the landing and remained lodged in the trees, sustaining substantial damage to the airframe. A postaccident examination revealed that the fuel tanks were half-full of fuel. No evidence of fuel contamination or starvation was found. The engine was successfully test run on the airframe. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12LA034 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 17, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Newnan, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Newnan Coweta County Airport (CCO)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Diamond Aircraft Ind Inc DA 20-C1
- N-number
- N828MA
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.