Waco UPF 7 N32162 accident near Warrenton, Virginia

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during a low pass for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination of the engine.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he fueled the airplane and performed a preflight inspection and engine run-up with no anomalies noted. After takeoff, he performed five circuits in the traffic pattern as part of an airshow, and, during the fifth circuit, he "pushed up the power after the pass"; however, the engine did not respond. Subsequently, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot began to turn back toward the runway to perform an emergency landing, but he realized that the airplane could not reach the runway. He then verified that the throttle and mixture were "full forward" and conducted a forced landing to an open field. During the landing roll, the airplane impacted trees and sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. Examination of the engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that he did not use carburetor heat that day because the temperature was around 83 degrees F. Although the temperature and dew point about the time of the accident were favorable for serious carburetor icing at glide power settings, it could not be determined if carburetor icing contributed to the loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14LA319 for the full record.