Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent activation of the engine's choke control during a downdraft encounter, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot reported that he was conducting touch-and-go landings and that, while on final approach, the experimental, light sport airplane encountered a downdraft, and the engine lost total power. The pilot was unable to restart the engine or glide the airplane to the runway, and it impacted trees.
The engine was test run successfully several times, and no anomalies were noted. The engine's choke control was located near the throttle lever. During the test runs, the engine lost total power if the choke control was moved about halfway (1 inch). It is likely that the pilot's hand was on the throttle lever and that it inadvertently bumped the choke control during the downdraft encounter, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA17LA247 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 17, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Shirley, New York
- Nearest airport
- Brookhaven Airport (HWV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
A 20 VISTA CRUISER
- N-number
- N55US
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2006
- Damage
- Substantial
- 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.