American Legend Aircraft Co AL3 N156WB accident near Elberta, Alabama

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the engine ran normally during a postaccident engine test run with no anomalies noted.

NTSB analysis

The sport pilot reported that he had conducted two uneventful touch-and-go landings in the light-sport airplane. After the pilot climbed the airplane to about 200 ft above ground level, the engine lost total power. The pilot tried to turn back to the airport, but the airplane lost altitude and struck some trees about 50 ft short of the runway. The pilot observed fuel "pouring out" of the airplane and shut off the electrical system before exiting the airplane.

During a postaccident test run of the engine at several power settings, the engine performed normally with no anomalies noted. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16LA199 for the full record.