Ryan NAVION N114ST accident near Pensacola, Florida

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power during the initial climb, which resulted in a forced, off-airport landing and impact with trees and a fence.

NTSB analysis

The airline transport pilot and two passengers were departing from the pilot’s home airport for a cross-country flight. According to the pilot, the weather was hot, so he was expecting the takeoff roll to be longer than normal, about 2,000 to 2,500 ft of the 3,225ft runway. The density altitude was computed to be about 2,300 ft, and the airport elevation was 32 ft. After the preflight inspection and engine runup, which the pilot stated were normal, he commenced the takeoff roll. The pilot stated that shortly after rotating, beginning the initial climb, and retracting the landing gear, the engine rpm decreased from about 2,600 to 2,300 rpm, and the airplane was unable to maintain altitude in level flight. As a result, he maneuvered for an off-airport forced landing, during which the airplane impacted a tree and a security fence. A postcrash fire ensued, resulting in significant thermal damage to the engine and its components. Witnesses described that during the takeoff the airplane appeared slow, used more runway than normal for takeoff, and lifted off near the end of the runway. Additionally, a witness reported that the engine sounded “a little rough.”

Postaccident examination of the wreckage, which included a complete engine disassembly, revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. As a result, the reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined from the available evidence.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21FA308 for the full record.