Amateur-built AVENTURA II N4401P accident near Minneola, Florida

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

Shortly after takeoff, the airplane’s engine began to lose power. The pilot elected to land the airplane straight ahead. During the forced landing, the airplane struck trees at the boundary of the airport, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. An examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane’s fuel tank contained 10 gallons of uncontaminated fuel, and the fuel in the carburetors was also clean. Damage to the fuselage and propeller blades indicated that the engine was producing power at impact. A review of meteorological data revealed that the airplane was being operated in conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power; however, the airplane was not operating at glide power during the accident takeoff.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13LA013 for the full record.