Cessna 177 N713CX accident near Key West, Florida

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of preimpact malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

The airline transport pilot reported that the preflight inspection, engine start, taxi, and engine run-up were uneventful. During initial climb for the local flight, about 400 ft above ground level, the engine power suddenly reduced to idle. The pilot lowered the nose of the airplane and made a shallow left turn to avoid trees; however, the airplane contacted power lines and came to rest upright in a parking lot. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. Examination of the wreckage revealed that adequate fuel remained on board and that fuel had leaked from the airplane after impact. During the examination, the fuel screen was removed from the fuel servo. Although some rust was observed on the screen and in the servo, consistent with the airplane sitting unused over a period of time, it is not likely that this had any impact on the operation of the engine. Further examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Thus, the reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA18LA107 for the full record.