Probable cause
A total loss of engine power due to a seized piston in the power take-off cylinder.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he had completed a preflight inspection and engine run-up with no anomalies noted. Shortly after takeoff, during the initial climb when the airplane was about 400 ft above the ground level (agl), the engine suddenly lost all power. The pilot elected to land straight ahead on a riverbank. During the landing, the airplane struck trees and a metal fence before coming to rest in the river, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and the fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airplane’s two-stroke engine was conducted by the pilot. The pilot reported that the piston in the power take-off cylinder (PTO) had seized.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA018 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 22, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Sky Ranch Airport (TN98)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built AVID AIRCRAFT
- N-number
- N246ML
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1996
- 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.