Diamond DA40 N388MA accident near Mount Pleasant, Tennessee

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot reported that, while on a downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern, he reduced the engine power to prepare for landing; however, the engine lost total power. The pilot then advanced the throttle in an unsuccessful attempt to regain power. He subsequently attempted an engine restart to no avail and, at that time, realized that the airplane would not be able to glide to the runway. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field about 1 mile short of the runway threshold, which resulted in substantial damage to the landing gear and empennage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that sufficient fuel remained in the left fuel tank and that the fuel selector was found positioned to the left fuel tank; sufficient fuel also remained in the right fuel tank. Further examination of the engine, fuel system, and ignition system did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Although fuel unporting is possible with the amount of fuel that was available in the left tank, it was unlikely based on the airplane's attitude around the time of the loss of engine power. Thus, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA18LA241 for the full record.